Tributes have been paid to a promising young footballer “brutally” knifed to death by masked thugs on Halloween night.
Recruitment consultant Scott Kouebitra, 22, and three friends were stabbed by four men who jumped out of a car in a terrifying knife ambush in Croydon.
He collapsed in the street with critical injuries after being stabbed in the throat and chest according to witnesses.
His friends were also seriously injured as they left King George’s park in Gloucester Road at 8pm on Monday.
His mother and father, who run an Ivory Coast community group and live nearby, were seen weeping at the scene shortly after the killing.
Mr Kouebitra, who studied Sports Therapy at London Metropolitan University, described himself online as a “highly motivated” recruitment consultant for a firm which specialises in healthcare.
He moved to London around two years ago to complete his studies and begin his career after moving from Milton Keynes, where he played football for a number of youth teams.
Mursley United manager Martin Simpson had exchanged messages with Mr Kouebitra online a week ago. In one he wrote he was “just chasing the money for the now” but promised he would return to the pitch.
Mr Simpson told the Standard: “I know everyone will say this but he was a good boy. What happened to him was brutal.
“He played for me when he was 18 before he moved to London and he was great. He had such natural talent. He was a privilege to manage.”
Jamie Silverfox, a house music DJ, shared a photo of a young Mr Kouebitra on Facebook adding that he was shocked by his death having “treated him like a son” since he was a boy.
He wrote: “He came into our lives and joined our family from the age of nine and he stayed with us ever since. We clothed him, fed him and took him on holidays like you would do your own.
“Then some mug in Croydon ended my boy’s life at the age of 22. My blessings go out to his family and close friends.”
Juma Omar, who played football with Mr Kouebitra and is now a centre-back for MK Dons youth team, dedicated last night’s 6-1 Youth Cup victory over AFC Hornchurch to his former teammate.
Close friend Michael Modern wrote on Facebook: “I remember the times we used to argue about who is a better footballer. You easily could have made it pro. I can’t believe you’re gone.
“The sooner we all realise that violence is not the answer the better.”
Two other men, aged 27 and 21, were taken to hospital with stab injuries following the attack. A fourth man attended a south London hospital after the incident, also with stab injuries, which are not life-threatening.
Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant, Croydon Borough Commander, said patrols across the borough were being stepped up.
He said: “I would personally like to reassure people that attacks of this nature are rare and we are doing everything we can to catch those responsible.”
There have been no arrests.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police incident room on 020 8721 4054 or via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
