My dream is to play in the Premier League, says Sevenoaks Town striker Richmond Kissi

SEVENOAKS TOWN striker Richmond Kissi says he wants to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.


Ian Wright went from Greenwich Borough to England via Crystal Palace and Arsenal, and now Kissi wants his chance to do the same.

Kissi, 20, scored twice last Saturday, as Sevenoaks Town beat their local rivals Tunbridge Wells 3-2 in the Umbro Kent Senior Trophy to progress into the semi-finals of the competition.

Kissi, who joined from Cray Wanderers, admitted he wants to make up for lost time after admitting this season has been frustrating and disappointing.

"It was a very good result, and are looking forward to the semi-finals, and we are confident of doing well,” Kissi told www.sevenoakstownfc.org.

"I have had a few doubters this season because my performances haven't always been the best, but I want to push on from here.

"There have definitely been times when I have walked off at the end disappointed. I am someone who knows that when I'm strong and feeling fit I can score goals.

"My second goal at Tunbridge Wells really pleased me because that is what I can do. As soon as he left my boot, I just knew it was going in.”

Kissi, who has now scored eight goals for Darren Anslow’s side, added:  “I had a good run at the start of the season, but then picked up an injury I had inflammation on the kneecap which kept me out for a month, and it has been a bit hard coming back. I have also had problems at work, and haven't always been available, but now I am focused."

Kissi paid tribute to team-mate James Golding for setting up his first at Culverden Stadium.

He said: "We played together for Cray Wanderers reserves last season, and he helped me score 39 goals. Once he got to the bye-line I knew where to place myself to score."

Ryman League clubs Thamesmead Town, Ramsgate and Whitstable Town have all put seven-day approaches in for Kissi, but the youngster says he going nowhere.

He said:  "I am staying because I love playing with these boys and working with Darren (Anslow) and the rest of the coaching staff.

"Darren has known me for a long time, and when I dropped out of Charlton at the age of 15 I went straight to him, I enjoy playing for him, and want to repay the faith that he has put in me.

Kissi had a trial with Premier League Blackburn Rovers two seasons ago, spending a week at Ewood Park when Mark Hughes was in charge.

He said: "They came in for me and I spent a week up there training, Hughes liked me, but discussions with my agent at the time broke down and things unfortunately fell through.

"I was 17 then and I really enjoyed it playing with people like Chris Samba and David Dunn.

“My dream is to play in the Premier League, and so I can keep scoring goals for Sevenoaks, catch the eye of the scouts, and you ever know what may happen."

Meanwhile, third-from-bottom Sevenoaks, who have collected four wins and two draws from nineteen league games, travel to Lordswood tomorrow.

Article courtesy of Sevenoaks Town’s website www.sevenoakstownfc.org

Lordswood  v  Sevenoaks Town
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 21^st January 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 8YE