Vinny Mukendi

Vinny Mukendi (born 12 March 1992) is an English-born Congolese footballer who plays as a striker. He is currently playing at Hednesford Town having previously played for various clubs including Macclesfield Town, Barrow, Droylsden, Stalybridge Celtic, Salford City, Southport, Oxford City and North Ferriby United in addition to loan spells at Southport and Tamworth.

Club career

Macclesfield Town

Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Mukendi started at Macclesfield Town in 2008, joining their youth academy on a two-year scholarship. He impressed enough to be given a squad number while still 16 and made his league debut on the final day of the 2008–09 season in a 0–0 draw against Grimsby Town. His first goal for the club came on 16 April 2010 when his team beat Chesterfield.

Mukendi joined Conference National side Southport on a one-month loan deal on 23 September 2011. He made his debut for the club a day later, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute in a 4–0 home defeat against Braintree Town.

Mukendi's first goal on loan at Southport was a second half equaliser in a 1-1 draw at home to York City on 11 October 2011. He subsequently received a yellow card for his celebration.

Mukendi was recalled to Macclesfield on 26 October 2011 following a selection crisis among the club's strikers. He re-joined Southport again on 19 January 2012 for an initial month's loan but was again recalled when Macclesfield suffered another selection problem. In May 2012, Mukendi was released by Macclesfield due to the expiry of his contract.

Barrow

On 10 August 2012, Mukendi signed for Barrow. He made his debut for the club in the 0–0 draw with AFC Telford United the following day and went on to make four appearances for the Cumbrian side, three of them as a substitute. On 11 September 2012, Mukendi was released from his contract for personal reasons.

Tamworth (loan)

After less than a month with Barrow, Mukendi joined Conference National rivals Tamworth on 31 August 2012 on a one-month loan deal. He made one appearance for Tamworth before his loan was cancelled when he was released by Barrow on 11 September 2012.

Droylsden

He signed for Droylsden on 14 September although the club stated that he signed forms but on advice from FA could only play for them from 28 September onwards. The following day he made his club debut in a match against Gloucester City.

Southport

After short stints at Goole and Salford, Vinny resigned for Southport on the 7 February 2014, this time on a permanent deal. He then moved to Nantwich Town in 2014 before in October moving to Colwyn Bay.

Oxford City

After joining from Gap Connors Quay, Mukendi joined Oxford City. He made his debut in a 0-6 away win against Truro City, scoring a second-half hat-trick.

North Ferriby United

In July 2016 he joined North Ferriby United.

Hednesford Town

In December 2016 he joined Hednesford Town. He made his debut for the club on Boxing Day but was substituted after 22 minutes after breaking his nose.

International career

Mukendi was called up for the Democratic Republic of the Congo under-19 squad in March 2011, being capped for the national team before being ruled out by injury in the Reze tournament.

Personal life

His younger brother, Henoc, is also a footballer.