Two teens charged with murdering 17-year-old former Leatherhead and Whyteleafe footballer Aren Mali have been named.

Shadrac Howell, of Hadley Grove, Coulsdon and Lemuel Lee, of Reece Gardens, Croydon will stand trial charged with murder on February 12 at the Old Bailey.

The pair, who were 17 at the time they were arrested and charged, but have since turned 18, appeared at court on Monday (January 29) for a plea hearing.

Former Thomas More Catholic School pupil, Aren, of Kenley, died on October 29 last year after he was fatally stabbed in Croydon town centre, on North End.

Police officers administered first aid prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem took place at Croydon Mortuary on the afternoon of October 31 and gave the cause of death as a single stab wound.

The two 18-year-olds have both plead not guilty to murder.

A not guilty plea was also entered by Howell and Lee to the charge of having an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a knife.

Aren (back row, second from left) with his Leatherhead teammates in 2014

Both defendants spoke only to confirm their identity and enter a plea.

Aren, a talented footballer who played for both Leatherhead FC and Whyteleafe FC, has been described as "ambitious" and as someone who was "always cheerful, always smiling" by a friend.

Former football coaches described him as a "determined, respectful and intelligent" youngster.

A statement from his former club, Whyteleafe Football Club, read: "He was a confident lad, competitive and a drive to be successful.

"He was one of the leaders in our squad and a strong character, not scared to voice his opinion, but also prepared to work hard for his peers.

"Determined, respectful, and an intelligent team player and a thoroughly decent young man. Always gave his best and understood that he had to sacrifice himself for the team at times."

In memory of him, the club organised a tribute match between the under-18s and under-16s on November 1, 2017 and a minute's applause was held at the game.

Aren joined Whyteleafe in 2016 and helped the U18s win the Kent Youth League cup.

Before joining Whyteleafe, he played for Leatherhead for two years from the age of 13.

Speaking after his death Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr, who coached the teenager during his time playing for the U14s and U15s, paid tribute to Aren.

Mr Aghoghovbia Jr said: "Aren came to us with four of his friends from Thomas More School in Purley. He stayed with us for two years, playing at under 14 and under 15 level.

"Leatherhead is predominantly a middle class area but Aren and his group of friends came over and added a little diversity and the integrity of our team was fantastic.

Aren (back row fourth from right) with his Whyteleafe teammates

"We went on team bonding sessions together and Aren was one of the essential characters on the team. He was a good lad, kind-hearted and very much a proud boy.

"He would always stick up for people, always give his all on the pitch and he was a brave lad. I was devastated when I found out the news.

"It is sad. He was a boy who had a bright future."

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