Centre-back re-joins the Hoops.

Oxford City Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of centre-back Cole Kpekawa (pronounced peck-ah-wa).

The centre-half joins on a permanent basis after leaving Bromley in the summer, but he is no stranger to Hoops supporters after spending a month’s loan at Court Place Farm last season.

In fact, he made his mark almost instantly during his loan spell with City, scoring with almost his first touch in a Hoops shirt in a 4-0 win away at Ebbsfleet United.

Oxford City Manager Sam Cox said: “Cole was someone we targeted as soon as we came in. He has the ideal profile for a left-sided centre-back and the way we want to play.

“We know Cole and what he’s done, he’s had a fantastic career and with him being here last season, the fans know what to expect from him and the quality that he brings.

“We’ve been really concise with the type of player that we've wanted to sign and we’ve been through a thorough process. We’ve got that.”

Kpekawa started his career in West London with then-Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, making his debut for Rangers in the top-flight as a sub against Leicester City in 2015.

After the R’s relegation, Kpekawa played a handful of games in the Championship before joining Leyton Orient on loan.

The central defender also has experience on the international stage after representing England at U20 level.

He joined Barnsley on a permanent basis from QPR in 2016 before moving to Colchester United the following year.

In 2018 he moved north of the border to Scotland when he joined SPFL side St Mirren before moving back to England with Billericay Town.

A brief spell with Slovakian side AS Trenchin followed before he started to find his feet in National League South. Firstly joining Chelsmford City and then excelling at Hemel Hempstead in the 2021/22 season.

His excellent form didn’t go unnoticed and he made the step up to the National League with Maidenhead United and again impressed at York Road. That meant though, that he was on the move again as promotion-chasing Bromley won the race for his signature.

However, after a strong start he found game time difficult to come by, and he arrived at Court Place Farm on a month’s loan.

It didn’t take him long to settle in either… He scored a thumping header with almost his first touch as a City player to score the first goal in a 4-0 victory away at Ebbsfleet United in the National League.

His strong form in OX3 led to a re-call from his parent club. Despite that, he joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan for the remainder of the 23/24 season before leaving Bromley in the summer.

Their loss is Oxford City’s gain though, and Cole joins us permanently ahead of the 24/25 National League North season.

Welcome back to Oxford City, Cole.

If you want to sponsor Cole and want to see how Oxford City can help your business grow, email commercial@oxcityfc.co.uk