Mousehole have received a boost with the re-signing of stylish and experienced defender Adel Gafaiti.
Of French/Algerian heritage, the now-28 year old first joined Mousehole in 2018, having previously received his early footballing education at Glasgow Rangers and Norwich City. He had also played at Under-20 international level for Algeria.
Impressive performances by the popular defender for Mousehole in the South West Peninsula League brought him to the attention of League Two side Yeovil Town, for whom he made 22 appearances, before joining Truro City (also 22 games), and later Step 2 club Hayes & Yeading. More recently Adel has been playing in Croatia’s second tier.
Mousehole have been promoted from Step 7 to Step 5 since Adel was last on the books, so his range of experience at higher levels of football will be an asset to The Seagulls as they look to continue a good recent run of form.
Manager Jake Ash is delighted to have Adel on board: “We have been working on this one since the back end of last season. Although I wasn’t at the club when Adel was here previously, I have heard nothing but good things both from those who saw him at Mousehole, but also from Truro City as well. He is a commanding presence and at 28 he is a great age, but most importantly he will hopefully be able to help us build on the defensive solidity we have been focusing on of late.
Assistant manager Adam Fletcher does have first-hand knowledge of what Adel can offer to The Seagulls: “We have stayed in contact since Adel left us for bigger things in 2018. He’s someone I trust, and he’ll be a great example for others. The timing of this move comes at a good moment for us and him, and we look forward to working with him until at least the new year.”
After the club’s prompt receipt of international clearance, Adel is ready to be considered for selection for tomorrow’s home match against Barnstaple Town (Trungle Parc, Saturday 1st October, 3pm), which features 5th-place hosting 4th with just a single point between them.
