The 23-year-old defender impressed for the U's under-21 side in their 5-1 victory over QPR, on Tuesday night.

Kuffour Jnr has made six senior appearances for Colchester so far this season, three of them in League Two, as he continues to press his claims for more regular involvement under head coach Danny Cowley.

The defender, who has been with the U's since July 2025, was handed his first EFL start at Cheltenham Town on the final day of last season.

He has subsequently gained further senior experience this term and started Colchester's League Two fixture at Newport County last month, producing a performance that earned him a place in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Week.

But Kuffour Jnr knows the competition for places means his opportunities must be earned—and is determined to make the most of every chance that comes his way.

He said: "All I can do is do my best, every time that I'm on the pitch.

Focused - Colchester United defender Sam Kuffour Jnr (Image: Richard Blaxall)

"I want to give a good account of myself every time I play and whatever comes next is up to the managers.

"I can only do what I can do.

"I felt I gave a good account of myself on the final day of last season at Cheltenham and showed everybody what I can do.

"All I can do is keep pushing."

Kuffour Jnr's versatility could prove valuable in his attempts to force his way into Cowley's plans.

He has operated both centrally and at right-back during his time with the U's and believes his athleticism makes him particularly well suited to playing as part of a back three.

Rather than concentrating on establishing himself in one particular position, Kuffour is working to ensure he can provide an option wherever he is required.

He said: "I'm definitely comfortable playing in a back three, because of my athletic profile and speed.

In contention - Colchester United defender Sam Kuffour Jnr (with Ronnie Harvey) (Image: Richard Blaxall)

"I feel comfortable at right-back, centre-back, whatever the manager needs me to do.

"I'm definitely working on my game in training, trying to be versatile for the team."

Kuffour took a varied route into the professional game before linking up with Colchester.

The son of former Bayern Munich defender Samuel Kuffour, he spent time in the academies at Brentford and West Ham United during his development.

He later linked up with independent football academy Elite Coaching Academy, before having a brief spell with Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Kuffour subsequently returned to England and dropped into non-league football, featuring for clubs including Maldon & Tiptree, before earning his opportunity with the U's.