Saturday saw Dartford host Canvey Island at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Midfielder, Denzelle Olopade, featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Denzelle Olopade is a defensive midfielder, who began his career with the Norwich City Academy. He went on to represent the Canaries at Youth and U18 levels, before moving to Crystal Palace’s U18 squad in July 2019. From there, he went on to play for Ramsgate, before signing for Erith & Belvedere FC for the 2023-24 season.
Having been an important part of The Deres and their challenge in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division, 22-year-old Denzelle makes the step up to the third tier with Dartford, where he intends to become a pivotal figure in Ady Pennock’s midfield unit.
And the young midfielder was in good spirits during the time of our discussion over WhatsApp… “I’m good thank you for asking Chris. I’m still getting used to my new environment at Dartford, but I’m enjoying it so far.”
He continues, “It feels great to be here. The fans have been brilliant. I love the support every time they come here, and it’s still only early days!”
Considering the fact that Denzelle experienced a good season with Erith & Belvedere last term, why did he decide to sign for Ady Pennock’s new Dartford team?
“I signed for Dartford because, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club from other ex-players, as well as from managers who have coached me in the last couple of years in Non-League. So far, everything has lived up to what everyone has said.”
He continues, “I really hope to achieve promotion with the club this season. I honestly feel that Dartford, with its facilities and staff, should be higher in terms of the league they’re currently in. That’s all I hope to achieve at the moment. Promotion and any other trophy we can win would be great.”
Unlike some of his peers at this level, Denzelle began his playing career in a football Academy. As is written above, he represented Norwich City at Youth and U18 levels, before moving to Crystal Palace’s U18 squad. Does he feel that a Football Academy is a beneficial route into the game for aspiring young footballers?
“Yes I do Chris. Playing at Norwich City’s Youth Academy for around 6-7 years helped me to understand football more, in regards to the basics. It helped in regards to understanding the game, as well as the football mechanics. For example, being agile on the half-turn to receive the ball, and punching your passes, etc…”
He continues, “I’ve loved my journey so far, especially in Non-League as well. It has helped me to appreciate other things in life besides football as well. I’m only 22, so I still aspire to make it back into full-time football. I know that I’m good enough. I’m not someone who thinks I deserve to play professionally, I think it has to be earned. I’m where I deserve to be, but I’ll definitely work hard to get to where I need to be.”
Denzelle knows that it takes hard work and determination to make it in life, let alone football. He knows what his priorities and ambitions are, and is working to achieve them. During the off-season, he works outside of the game, but once the season begins, his focus turns to his fitness and the game.
During his time at Norwich City and Crystal Palace, he learned what it takes to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle… “Yeah, in regards to my nutrition, etc…, I refer to the diet I had when I was full-time with those clubs’ Academies. It’s nothing specific really, I just feel that to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle, you’ve just got to learn how to cook.”
And that sums up Denzelle Olopade. He’s a very honest, faith-driven (he’s a Christian) young man, who knows what his priorities are and how to achieve them. He lets his football do the talking on the pitch, where he battles hard for his teammates. His sole purpose now is to be one of the standout players in Ady Pennock’s Dartford midfield. And, if pre-season is anything to go by, the future is certainly looking exciting for the club having this hard-working, energy-driven, battling midfielder wearing the number eight shirt within its ranks.
As our conversation draws to a close, Denzelle finishes with these words…
“Right now, I’m solely focused on getting this club back to where it belongs. Promotion is the intention, and I’ll fight for that. As for the future, if the time is right, then hopefully a move back into full-time football. As for the Dartford fans, I can’t wait to see you all every game day!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Faith, I’m a Christian.
Favourite Food?
Caribbean food.
Favourite Drink?
Water.
TV Series or Film?
Series, Breaking Bad.
Music or Podcast?
David Goggins and Joe Rogan podcast.
Sporting Hero?
Yaya Touré.
Non-Sporting Hero?
None.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Nope.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Duane Ofori-Acheampong.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Craig Ross (Maidenhead United)
Wayne Daniel (Retired)
Palace Francis (Kingstonian FC)
Myself!
Ryan Hayes (Punjab United FC)
By Chris Palmer