PAUL SEMAKULA
Central midfielder Paul played an instrumental part in The Millers SCEFL Championship success during the 2018/19 season, making 39 appearances – including the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium.

Updated stats May 2022
Total Apps 106 Goals 1
Season 2021/22 Appearances 32 Goals 0
Season 2020/21 Appearances 2 Goals 0 (covid)
Season 2019/20 Appearances 18 Goals 0 (covid)
Season 2018/19 Appearances 39 Goals 0
Season 2006/07 Appearances 15 Goals 1

Paul reached 100 games for the Millers against Hastings United at the Artic Stadium on Saturday 12th March 2022 making his 26th appearance this season. He first appeared for the club as an 18 year old during season 2006/07 before returning 11 years later.

Update: Paul announced his retirement prior to the start of season 2022/23.

Feature by Richard J Green for the 100 Club - March 2022
THE 100 CLUB

PAUL SEMAKULA

When Paul Semakula made his Valley debut in 2006 under the stewardship of Mark Edwards, little would he have envisaged that 15 years later he would finally achieve the milestone of 100 first team appearances for The Millers.
By the end of that inaugural season, Paul had 15 games under his belt as Valley finished 7th in the Kent County League, while scoring his only goal thus far for the Club in a late season win over Stansfeld O&B Club.
“I was 18 at the time” recalls Paul. “I started with the Under 18’s before playing in the reserves and becoming a first team regular before the end of the season”
Spells playing in the Conference South (Step 2) with St Albans City, Maidenhead United and Billericay Town followed, along with the captaincy of Leatherhead in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

When Kevin Watson called to ask Paul to rejoin Valley in October 2018, he had few doubts about returning to Eltham despite playing a lower level of football.
“I’ve known Kev for about 12 years. He used to run a Charlton Community thing in Thamesmead – I used to turn up every Wednesday – he was one of the coaches there.”
Paul went on to make 39 appearances during the Club’s centenary season as we went on to secure the SCEFL Championship and earn a place at Wembley in the FA Vase Final.
As promotion to the Isthmian League followed, Paul took a break from the game before re-joining Valley in November 2019 – making a further 17 appearances before Covid struck.
“I have retired on a number of occasions”, said Paul. “I always come back to Cray Valley – it’s my local Club – it was the first team that gave me mens football. I grew up there”.
Paul’s only appearances last season came in the London Senior Cup in the spring of 2021 before once again becoming an integral member of the first team squad this season.
Now 33, Paul reflected - “I’ve always been grateful for the way the Club have treated me, even going back to the age of 18. I would have stayed but I’d already signed for St. Albans. There’s still the same people there – Chappo, Mark, Mac…. Kevin kept in touch with me for three years before I joined ”.

When asked for his thoughts on his midfield linchpin, Watson was wholesome in his praise.
“12th October 2018, Paul signed for Cray Valley.
In many respects, he’s probably been the lowest maintenance player we’ve worked with.
I often use Paul as an example to others of someone who just simply does what he is asked and does it well.
Every player who has ever played with Paul will fully appreciate him as a team member and a person. He is a true gentleman, family man, and model footballer.
Every management team and Club need a Paul Semakula, and we very much appreciate his presence.”