The last Saturday in March saw Dartford host Chelmsford City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Attacking Midfielder Malachi Napa featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:
Attacking Midfielder, Malachi Napa, arrived at Dartford during the season from National League outfit Wealdstone, and his loan move has proved to be a shrewd piece of business by Alan Dowson.
The twenty-three-year-old can operate on either flank or through the middle and has put his talent to good use having made seventeen appearances so far for the Darts. With nine of those appearances being in the starting eleven, Malachi has chipped in with two league goals and several assists, which has seen the playmaker become an important member of the current squad.
The timing of our discussion finds Malachi in good spirits. However, he’s a man of few words, preferring to do his talking out on the pitch instead. Yet, like his peers, Malachi sets himself targets to achieve each season, no matter where he finds himself playing.
Of course, the Wealdstone player has found himself turning out in the colours of Dartford this term and he has shown commitment on the field, as he does his utmost to help his teammates achieve promotion to the National League. Whilst here, he intends to score more goals and create as many assists as possible between now and the season’s end.
Besides his intentions on the pitch, all Malachi wants in life is to be happy. That’s an emotional/spiritual state that he finds via his faith in God, a relationship which keeps him grounded and thankful. He also enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching Anime.
However, playing what he refers to as “his game” is of paramount importance to Malachi. He seeks to reach the highest level possible and to play the beautiful game for as long as possible. And like all aspiring young footballers, Malachi has his influences, “I’m influenced by charismatic players… people like Ronaldinho and Neymar.”
If he can reach the heights achieved by that duo, Malachi will certainly be in great company indeed! But where did his journey begin?
“I’ve always loved playing football. My Dad used to take me and my brother to the park regularly and we’d play there. Then, at the age of five, I got offered a contract…”
That contract offer came from Championship side Reading and, after spending time playing for Royal Falcones, Prostar, and East Soccer Base, Malachi was a member of the Reading Youth Team setup. From there, he moved on to Oxford United, before playing in the colours of Woking, Waldon & Tiptree, and Baiteze. He then signed for Wealdstone, before arriving here on loan.
And it’s here at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park that his focus is set on for the time being and, as our brief conversation comes to an end, he has a quick word for the Dartford supporters…
“Thank you all for the warm welcome. Let’s get promotion!”
By Chris Palmer