'I had to look at Google Maps to see where Hartlepool is' - Kabamba

The Havant and Waterloville striker didn’t have much time to decide if he was on the move, just the chance to grab his things and drive. And complete the 381 miles from south coast to the North-East.

"It was a hard decision to make but for me right now the only thing on my mind is playing football at the highest level I can," said Kabamba.

"Coming to a club that has a big name, have played at a higher level, in some ways it was a no brainer. But coming from the bottom of England to the top is a long way so I had to think about it.

He laughed: “I had to look at Google Maps to see where Hartlepool is - and to see it takes five and a half hours to get there!

"But I am happy I think I have made the right decision."

Since moving he’s played two, scored two for Pools. A part-time player with Havant, Kabamba has played professionally for Portsmouth, but played only six times before leaving Fratton Park and dropping down the ladder.

"Full-time football was the main reason why I signed here," said the hard-working frontman. "I was part time at Havant. Hartlepool is a big club, they used to be in the league and they are looking to get back there and that's where I want to be as a player.

"This club shares my ambitions. I am an ambitious person and the club wants to get to where I want to be, so we work hand-in-hand."

Would he stay permanently if a full-time contract was to follow at the end of the season? "Yeah, definitely," he says.

"I have a few things to consider but I just want to enjoy my football here. If a full time deal comes a long then I will be happy to sign that."

Kabamba has shown a willingness to work and an honest side to his game so far. Those two goals have helped his cause, but there’s certainly a player in there who is wanting to succeed.

"I have hit the ground running and I am just glad we got the three points last time," he said having scored a neat diving header in their last game, a 2-1 win over Braintree Town.

"We have been working on getting balls in the box in training, I got across goal and got a good connection on it and it's gone in.

"I have been doing alright. I have just got to work on a few things but scoring goals is the main thing as a striker.

"There have been a lot of things happening behind closed doors at this club, so it was important to get a win, especially after the defeat the week before.

"Getting three points can change the mood around a club and in the dressing room and I think we have done that."

Pools take on title-chasing Orient at the Super 6 Stadium on Saturday, with Craig Hignett in charge after he replaced the man who signed Kabamba, Richard Money.

"It has been brilliant working under him,’’ he said. “I had a good chat with him when I signed, now he is the gaffer.

"I am just happy to be here. The boys are ledge. I am looking forward to the next game."