A promising footballer who had trials with the Ugandan under-17 team has been murdered in a stabbing in Battersea. 

The 18-year-old, named locally as Matthew Kitandwe, was killed in Wayford Street on June 21. Friends described him as "something special" and "one of the smartest guys" they knew.

He was a South Thames College pupil at the Wandsworth campus and played football for Colliers Wood.

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Picture: Matthew Kitandwe, 18 

A murder investigation is under way. 

Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Wayford Street at 4.15pm. 

Wandsworth Times:

Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene at 5pm.

Residents in Wayford Street spoke of their "shock".

His cousin, Wilber Kabugo, said: "I just want to give my humble request to teens in that country to stop this madness because if you take someone's life it's not reversed.

"And for my bro may God be with him wherever he is because he didn't deserve such a death at that age."

A 17-year-old family friend said: "He was an active guy in general in sports. 

"He was talented in football, he had something special. 

"He had huge talent in football. 

"Everyone is quite shocked. He was just going home from college he ended up arriving home and then he got killed." 

He added: "I would say he was one of the smartest guys I knew in person." 

An 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody in south London.

The victim's family has been told.

One neighbour said: "He wasn't a gang banger, he was always around in his football kit. 

"He was a good kid." 

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Zoltan Walcz of Wayford Street said: "It is a shock this area is quite safe. 

"People say hello, even the kids in hoodies and dogs are friendly." 

Matthew was a pupil in St John Bosco College, and his former headteacher has paid tribute to him.

Simon Uttley, the headteacher, said: "On behalf of the entire school community of Saint John Bosco College, Battersea, students, staff and governors, I wish to say how deeply shocked and saddened we are to learn of the death of Matthew Kitandwe who was a student at our school until 2012.

"Our prayers and deepest sympathy go to Matthew’s family and friends at what must be a painful, heart-breaking time.  

"Matthew was a well-liked and vibrant young person as well as a gifted athlete who represented the school. As a school community we will mark this tragedy in due course in a memorial service so that students and staff can pay their respects.

"May Matthew rest in peace."

His friend and South Thames College classmate Sarah Ahmed said: "He will be missed by many people, his smile and his banter what made people like him,.

"He was very friendly and approachable and was always funny with the ladies at college, he will be missed."


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A spokesman for South Thames College said: "We were informed this morning that one of our students was involved in a fatal knife incident.

"Our sympathies are with his family at this very sad time and our team of experienced youth workers are supporting students affected by this event."

Formal identification has not yet taken place and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course, the Met has said.

Officers remain at the scene. 

A couple, who did not wish to be named, described the murder as "horrific" and "shocking". 

One man said: "This is a very mixed community, there is an alleyway that is a problem. 

"I have had motorbikes stolen and I have seen cars broken into." 

Did you know the victim? Contact the newsdesk on Rebecca.taylor@newsquest.co.uk