Striker Richmond Kissi quits football to set up foundation for Ivory Coast kids

STRIKER Richmond Kissi may have a poor disciplinary record on the pitch but he also has a heart of gold.

 

The 24-year-old has decided to quit playing football and has set up his own foundation to support underprivileged children in Africa.

Kissi, who has scored 13 goals for Southern Counties East Football League side Beckenham Town this season, announced his retirement on Tuesday by publishing a statement on social networking tool Twitter.

“Due to some unforeseen circumstances it’s with a very heavy heart that I announce my retirement from football with immediate effect,” said Kissi.

“I have been blessed to have played with and against some very good players of my generation and have formed friendships which will stay with me forever.

“I just believe I haven’t got the heart for it no more and as in everything in life once the passion goes it’s time to evidently call it a day.

“I would like to thank Mr Micky Collins, Grant Watts, John Wilfort, Jason Huntley and Darren Anslow as they were the ones who I enjoyed playing for the most.

“I have found a new calling and hope everyone can respect this decision and support me in my new venture.”

Kissi has set up an online fundraising page, as he aims to raise funds from unwanted football equipment to bring joy to the children on The Ivory Coast.

“Bringing joy to many underprivileged children in The Ivory Coast using the beautiful game,” said Kissi.

“Please support the movement by donating old boots, shinpads, balls and other un-used equipment.

“I have also set up a gofundme page for those of you who want to give us financial donations.”

https://www.gofundme.com/snhht2uk

Kissi has raised £50 of his £800 target.

Kissi scored 23 goals for Collins’ Erith & Belvedere side during the club’s Kent League double winning side of 2012-13.

Kissi also captained the Kent League XI side and scored an emotional hat-trick in the George Howard Charity game in June 2014 to raise funds for the former Sevenoaks Town, Bromley and Gillingham goalkeeper following his accident in South Africa, which forced his early retirement from the game.

Collins, who organised the charity game alongside Kissi and Anslow, managed the George Howard Kent League XI side that defeated the Kent Pro XI 5-3 at Coldharbour Leisure Centre in Eltham.

Swansea star Jonjo Shelvey, Gillingham midfielder Bradley Dack and former players including Nicky Southall, Peter Garland, Andy Hessenthaler, Rob Quinn and Jon Main also turned out in the fund-raising game.

Collins was one of many who took to Twitter to pay tribute to Kissi.

Collins joked, “Breaking News. The FA have cancelled their end of season jolly up, due to the lack of funds from fines now Richmond Kissi has retired.”

Sheppey United striker Andy Constable, who played alongside Kissi for Erith & Belvedere that season, said: “Good luck! Loved playing with you, won’t ever forget that last minute winner against Beckenham in the double season.”

Kissi has also set up a Twitter account for his foundation at https://twitter.com/KISSIFOUNDATIO1

Article published: 20:00 – Thursday 7 January 2016