Dulwich Hamlet boss says former Cheltenham winger has talent to get back into EFL

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Dulwich Hamlet manager Paul Barnes is confident that Kalvin Kalala has the potential to seal a return to the EFL.

The Paris-born attacker, 24, signed for the National League South side in July but a knee ligament injury delayed his debut until Saturday’s 2-1 win at St Albans City.

Kalala played seven matches in League Two for Cheltenham Town before his contract was cancelled by mutual consent in October 2018.

He scored 13 goals in 67 games for Torquay United before spells with French side Entente Feignies Aulnoye and Dartford.

“Kalvin was one that we didn’t expect to be back before Christmas when we came in,” said Barnes, who was recently handed the Hamlet job on a permanent basis after a short spell in interim charge. “He has worked so hard on his rehab and the medical department have managed him brilliantly.

“The player has got to take a lot of credit, he’s gone above and beyond to get his strengthening work in. Kalv has cracked on with it.

“The only thing missing from his debut was probably a goal. He was very, very good. It was a very good introduction to everyone, showing what he is all about. Now he has come to a club with big expectations and potential.

“He wants to be a football league player. In the short space of time we have worked with him, everyone is in agreement that he’s good enough to play in the football league.”

Barnes chose to slot in a behind-closed-doors match against Corinthian-Casuals on Tuesday with a view to topping up some of his squad’s fitness.

“They have just appointed a new manager [Justin Fevrier] who is a good friend of mine,” said Barnes. “It will help Kalv and the other boys in terms of keeping building them up to make sure they are in a good position to complete 60 or 70 minutes on a regular basis.

“Kalv has already taken part in competitive fixtures a lot sooner than we thought and we have a duty of care not to overload him. We’ll manage him.”

Jayden Clarke’s cross led to St Albans’ Kylan Wiltshire scoring an own goal at Clarence Park to cancel out Shaun Jeffers’ early opener.

Nana Owusu scored from the penalty spot after Callum Adebiyi was punished for handball.

Dulwich are at home to Hampton & Richmond tomorrow. Three wins in their last five fixtures has taken them out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Barnes said: “I’m looking to see what the points total is to get into the top half of the table. We’re only looking up now, but we’re only going to do that by winning games back to back.

“I’m a tough taskmaster but I don’t think we’ve had a bad performance yet – fingers crossed I don’t put a curse on it. There’s not any game I’ve felt we didn’t deserve something from.”

Hamlet have been drawn away to Taunton in the FA Trophy second round. The tie will take place on November 19.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS