ℹ️ PERS. INFORMATION
Name: Jacob Kwabena Mensah
Date of birth: 18/07/2000
Place of birth: Lambeth, London
Nationality: English
Language: English
Club: Dover Athletic FC
Favourite position: Centre Back
Favourite foot: Right
⚽️ CLUB HISTORY
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| Ramsgate FC | Youth |
| Crystal Palace FC | Youth |
| Weymouth FC | 2021 |
| Morecambe FC | 2021 – 2022 |
| Maidstone United FC | 2022 – 2023 |
| Torquay United FC | 2023 |
| Dover Athletic FC | 2023 – 2024 |
| Welling United FC | 2024 |
| Dover Athletic FC | 2024 – |
🎙️ INTERVIEW
Introduce yourself…
I’m Jacob and I’m a 25 year old centre back playing for Dover FC in the National League South and have been in men’s football for around 8 years.
How old were you when you joined Crystal Palace, and what did that environment teach you about professionalism at a young age?
I joined Palace when I was 18 and for me it was a big leap from Ramsgate FC. I fell in love with the professionalism everyday with examples like cleaning boots after every session, eating the right foods and doing extras after whether it’s on the pitch, in the gym or both. It taught me that discipline is everything to bettering yourself and others around you because it becomes contagious. It breeds success.
Leaving a high academy can be challenging. How did you approach your first senior move to Weymouth FC?
I approached it how I would approach anything whether that’s in football or just day to day. I wanted to do the best I possibly can and thanks to the management and people I shared the pitch with, it was a brilliant time for me from a football aspect and friendship.
What differences did you notice immediately between academy football and men’s football at Weymouth?
I noticed that it meant more to each individual. People were more passionate and I was lucky to experience that before Palace at Ramsgate which taught me loads moving forward. I believe it helps you to evolve into an adult a lot quicker when you realise people’s livelihoods are on the line. Makes for a better atmosphere when everyone is dying to win.
Your move to Morecambe FC marked a big step. What did that opportunity mean to you?
That opportunity was brilliant. I moved away and lived on my own for the first time in my life and it taught me many valuable life skills away from football as well as in football. It taught me a lot technically and tactically about the game in a more advanced way. It was a brilliant experience despite not playing much and it has taught me a lot in football and about myself. It’s good to be out of your comfort zone because it’s the best way to grow!
Your time at Maidstone United came during a key stage of your development. What did that spell give you as a player?
It taught me the other side of football where the going gets tough and mentally you need to stay strong for whatever is ahead of you next as no one else is going to help you in that position. It was brief but I found a lot of valuable lessons in that experience.
What stood out to you about your time at Welling United FC?
If I’m honest, not too much! Once again it was very brief and it served as a place to keep fitness up and be in a football environment.
Jacob, what convinced you that Dover Athletic FC was the right club for you at this stage of your career?
I believe that the club itself and the management are very good. I felt trusted to do a job no matter what and built strong relationships with people that makes me happier! And being happy in what you do is the main thing. Being surrounded by good people and giving 110% is key to success and happiness within a club and just in general.
How do you feel your journey through different levels of football has shaped you as a defender today?
It’s given me so much knowledge technically and tactically. Experiencing different levels of football gives you a good contrast and allows you to set personal goals for yourself. Knowledge is power and knowing different levels helps with overall experience on the pitch and off.
What ambitions do you still have in football?
I still strive to the be the best possible version of myself and I still want to play league football consistently and win trophies wherever I am. It’s never an easy process but it’s the process that helps you gain a better understanding of the game and you as an individual. But consistent league football is where I want to be and I’ll never give up on it.
