In what might be a first for non-league football, all of the promoted Clapton CFC Men’s First Team squad last season have returned for a tilt at tier nine.

However, the management team have also added some new players ahead of the Essex Senior Football League season. Here is more about the new boys announced so far…

Samba Badjana

It’s a very warm welcome back to Clapton CFC to Samba Badjana, who has played 50 games for us. However, the last appearance came in May 2022 so he’s yet to make his competitive Old Spotted Dog Ground debut.

Still only 23, Samba left us to move to Chelmsford City, Forres Mechanics. Loch Ness and Bala Town, for whom he made five Welsh Premier League appearances and was on the bench in the UEFA Conference League.

He’s now available to play for CCFC again after awaiting international clearance.

Rafael Da Mata

Teenage winger Rafael Da Mata has previously played for Holyport FC in the Combined Counties League and our friends CSM London in the Essex Alliance League.

The 19-year-old is described as an old-school winger – entertaining, hard working and tenacious.

Tevis Panariti

A local lad from just the other side of West Ham Park, Tevis Panariti has spent most of his football career in the East Midlands while at the University of Nottingham, representing Barrow Town, Leicester Nirvana, Southwell City and the university side.

Tevis, 25, said: “It’s great to be back in the area and signing for Clapton. I’m a 6’1”, left-footed left-back who can play on either flank, as a wing-back or further forward if needed. I like to get up and down the pitch, contribute at both ends, and I’d say I’m tenacious, robust in the tackle and calm on the ball, always looking to get us moving forward.

“I really enjoyed pre-season with the lads and playing at the Old Spotted Dog has already shown me what the club’s all about. The atmosphere against New York International was class, and I can’t wait to play in front of the Clapton fans again throughout the season.”

Samir Sedaoui

22-year-old Samir Sedaoui is a creative midfielder/winger who looks to unlock defences, create chances and contribute with goals and assists.

Samir previously played Step 3 football with Haringey Borough at just 17, and has experience at Step 5 level with Edgware & Kingsbury, Frenford and Takeley.

He caught the eye playing for FC Romania last season, with 11 assists and 5 goals including a great early strike against us on the final day of the season.

Gideon Ssonko

Gideon Ssonko is a dynamic, adaptable and hard working midfielder that loves a tackle. The 25-year-old joins the midfield unit this season after impressing from the start in pre-season.

Gideon has played in this division before for Ilford and Athletic Newham and before that south of the river for Sporting Club Thamesmead, Meridian VP and Lordswood.