Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Since leaving Dartford at the end of the 2017-18 season, it could be said that Duane Ofori-Acheampong has struggled to make an impact wherever he’s gone. Sadly, injury setbacks have hindered the striker’s progress since his time with the Darts.
During his two seasons here, he made 56 appearances in all competitions and scored on nine occasions. And when he re-signed for the club in the summer of last year, he hoped that his second spell at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park would be more fruitful… However, niggling injuries and suspensions have hindered his progress on the pitch, resulting in him featuring just thirteen times, six of which have been in the starting eleven.
But… and it’s a big but… this 32-year-old offers much more than just playing time and goals. He’s one of the most down-to-earth and humble people you could ever wish to meet. He brings a wealth of experience and patience to the Dartford squad, which holds him in good stead with the younger players, as well as his experienced peers.
It was an absolute delight to meet him for a chat recently too. Our conversation was full of laughter and joy, as he shared his story while being interrupted by several people who wanted him in the dressing room… namely Samir Carruthers and the gaffer Ady Pennock… to whom I apologise for holding Duane up…
“I’m alright thank you Chris, not too bad at all. My fitness is alright but, obviously, missing games doesn’t help. But I’m getting there.”
He continues, “I’m hoping to rise to the challenge of getting this club back up to where it belongs. I’m absolutely enjoying being back here and being one of the more experienced lads in the dressing room. On the pitch, I know that my time will come and that I’ll have my say when that time does come!”
That’s the kind of fighting spirit that this club needs. It’s what Ady Pennock and his coaching staff have been working tirelessly to implement into the squad since day one. And we’re now seeing the fruits of their hard work out on the pitch… last weekend’s 4-1 triumph over Whitehawk ensured that Dartford remained unbeaten for an incredible fifteen league games since mid-October! Not only that, but the result was also the team’s sixth consecutive victory… a run of form which has placed us firmly in the hunt for first place in the Isthmian Premier League table, let alone the playoff places! So, full credit goes to Ady, his staff, and the entire squad.
Players with Duane’s mentality and experience are pivotal to the team, both off and on the pitch. But why did Duane decide to leave the full-time field of Torquay United to return to Dartford?
“I really enjoyed my time here when I was here before Chris. The atmosphere here was good then and still is now. When I came here to play against Dartford (while in my first spell with Torquay United), I noticed how great the ground is and how amazing the support was. So, it was a bit of a no-brainer to return as a player because, I really do enjoy my football during the times I’ve been here.”
As he’s mentioned Torquay United, let’s just rewind to the beginning of Duane’s career which saw him begin in an Academy.
“Yeah, I started at Southend United’s Academy. I had good times there. I have some good memories.
“The Academy helped me massively man, massively. I lived in North London you see, so I had to move to Southend. It was the first time that I had to live away from home. I was just 16. But it was such a warm environment at Southend, and a good learning curve… you know, to grow up fast, cook for yourself, all those kinds of things.”
He continues, “Not only did the Academy help to teach all that, but obviously tactical things and other football-based skills were taught as well. It was also full-time, so I was there every day for training, etc… One of the first things that they do is sort out a schedule, so you have an idea of what it’s going to be like. I honestly think that youth teams and Academies are the best.”
Like any aspiring young footballer, Duane dreamt of becoming a professional player. And at Southend United, he had the perfect motivational tool…
“At the Academy we had the First Team training alongside us Chris. That was a massive motivation for us younger players. We saw what it could be like and we wanted to be training with them. You know, growing up watching Arsenal in North London, you always wanted to become a professional player.”
Is he happy with how his playing career has panned out so far? Would he change anything if he could?
“Obviously, I’m at the twilight stage of my career now Chris. But I hope that I still have a good few years left in the tank. There’s always a few little things that you wish progressed differently or whatever, whether in our professional lives or on a personal level. But I never want to use those as excuses. I’ve enjoyed my career so far, I’ve known a lot of top young players who have dropped out of the sport for various reasons. So, I always feel grateful for my career and for the fact that I’m still playing and still have a lot to offer.”
Aside from injuries, Duane certainly does still have a lot to offer. His return to Dartford meant a step down from full-time football which, obviously, meant a change in his lifestyle. But with that, came certain blessings too.
“Yeah, I’m fortunate that I can now choose when I work. Before, at Torquay, I obviously couldn’t because we were full-time. Now, if I don’t want to work, I can take the day off and focus on other things. I work in concierge-based security, which offers flexibility and enables me to work on my fitness, etc…”
He continues, “I’ve had to change the way that I do things now. I think that time is the biggest challenge. We train at night, so I like to go to the gym beforehand, as well as manage my schedule to fit around work and life. My lifestyle in general keeps me focused on that. It does get challenging, especially if we’re playing on a Tuesday night or travelling long distances to games, but once I’ve got my schedule set, I can work around that. I also try to eat healthy foods as well, which obviously helps.”
As time continues to tick and Duane is required elsewhere, what are his hopes for the future?
“The biggest thing for me at the moment is to help get the club back to the level it should be at. I believe the club as a whole should try to strive to get into the football league… I think that should be every Non-League club’s ambition. We have the platform to build on, and we have a gaffer with huge ambitions and a history of coaching in the football league. So, my aspiration is to get many promotions with this club and see it grow. We have a new, young squad which is gelling and is hungry for success.”
Positive and fighting words from one of Dartford’s more senior players. And, at the heart of it all are the supporters, without which no club can exist. As Duane is being pulled away, does he have any words for our faithful?
“When I was here last, and it’s the same with me coming back, the atmosphere here is always incredible. The fans are a massive part of this club, massive. You can tell that teams come here and up their game to try to quieten the crowd. So, thank you for all your support. Obviously, there will still be ups and downs, but please stick with us. We’re all pushing ourselves as hard as we can to be the best we can be for this club.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Faith.
Favourite Food?
Jellof Rice & Chicken.
Favourite Drink?
Orange Juice.
TV Series or Film?
Film.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Thierry Henry
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Mum.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Basketball, NFL & Boxing.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Michael Olarewaju.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Oliver Kahn (ex-Bayern Munich)
Sol Campbell (ex-Arsenal)
Ronaldinho (ex-Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Thierry Henry (ex-Arsenal)
By Chris Palmer