When George Elokobi guided Maidstone United into the FA Cup fifth round this season, it marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey for the Cameroonian coach in English football.
Elokobi’s tale is one of triumph over adversity. He lost both his father and grandfather at the age of just 11 in his hometown of Mamfe.
His mother subsequently moved to London where Elokobi later joined her as a teenager, combining college studies with playing semi-professionally.
He got his big break at Colchester United, enjoying a meteoric rise up the leagues with the U’s and then Wolves, where he became a cult figure.
After retiring in 2016 with over 150 EFL appearances to his name, Elokobi moved into coaching, landing his first managerial job at Maidstone in 2021.
Implementing a bold playing philosophy, he has taken the sixth-tier club on a historic FA Cup run this season, putting his charismatic stamp on the competition.
Elokobi has overcome adversity, integrated seamlessly into English football and is now achieving unprecedented success in the dugout.
The pioneering 38-year-old serves as an inspiration and has cemented his place in FA Cup folklore.
