More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The son of former Ramsgate goal machine Mo Takaloo has been tipped to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Sammi, 17, has already made the bench this season and manager Matt Longhurst believes it’s a matter of time before he’s a genuine first-team contender.
Mo was a deadly striker at Southwood, firing Rams to Kent League glory under Jim Ward in 2005 before repeating the feat with Maidstone a year later.
Sammi operates out wide but Longhurst can see him being equally effective in front of goal.
“He’ll be a really good player,” said the Rams boss.
“Give him 18 months and he’ll be heavily knocking on the door.
“He’s got a great attitude and great mentality.
“He rings me up and says, ‘Am I going to play?’ and when we’re training at the same time as the 23s he comes over and wants to joins in with us.
“I played with his dad at Dartford and he always comes along to watch but he leaves him to it, he doesn’t get involved.
“Sammi’s more of a wide player, where his dad was a No.9, but when he’s older I could see him being a No.9.
“He’s very mature for a 17-year-old.
“We took him from Margate, he was in their under-18s, but he wasn’t getting a sniff around the first team.
“We said you’ll be involved with us, not all the time, but he’s a talented boy and probably after Christmas we’ll try and get him out on loan in the SCEFL.
“A couple of months out on loan, playing regularly and getting used to the physical side of men’s football, not that he’s shy of it, will do him good.
“I really like him. He’s good in front of goal, he’s happy crossing with either foot, and he’s a tenacious boy.
“At 17 he’s just a baby so if he goes out on loan it’s important we get him the right club and make sure he’s looked after.”
Ramsgate won 5-0 for the second week running on Saturday, cruising to victory at home to Sutton Common in the FA Trophy first qualifying round.
Ashley Miller gave Rams a half-time lead and there were two goals apiece for Jordan Chiedozie - his second a penalty - and Danny Lear.
Victory set up a trip to Westfield, who took Hythe to an FA Cup replay this season, in the next round.
Ramsgate’s Isthmian South East game at Herne Bay tonight has called off due to the ongoing fuel problems.
Unbeaten Rams, second in the table, host VCD at Southwood this Saturday.
The Vickers are managed by former Rams boss Nick Davis.
