With Chelsea’s first Premier League 2 play-off fixture fast approaching, Genesis Antwi believes the past few months have prepared him well for Saturday’s knockout tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Kingsmeadow.

After a strong finish to the regular Premier League 2 campaign, which saw Chelsea secure third place in the table, focus has now shifted to the knockout stages which will decide this season's champion. The Blues first face Wolves in the last 16, with the match kicking off at 6pm on Saturday at Kingsmeadow, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Among those embracing the challenge is Antwi, who has enjoyed a standout season across both the Under-18s and Under-21s levels. The Swedish youth international was on the score sheet in Chelsea’s recent PL2 win over Crystal Palace - in our last game of the league stage - and is hungry to keep building that momentum.

'We are really excited for the play-offs,' the 17-year-old began. 'As a group, we are locked in and hungry to lift a trophy. We have not played Wolves yet this season, so it will be a fresh challenge, but we are not taking anything for granted.

'It is knockout football and you only get one opportunity to prove yourself. That pressure shows what a team is really made of. We know we have worked hard all season and I believe we have what it takes to come out on top. We are ready to show our quality and prove why we wear the Chelsea badge.'

Antwi’s rise through the Academy ranks has been built on consistency, hard work and clear development. After starting the season with the Under-18s, predominantly as a full-back, his progression quickly caught the eye of the coaching staff.

He earned a deserved call-up to Filipe Coelho’s Under-21s squad and has since made 10 appearances for that team, scoring against Leeds United and again in the win over Crystal Palace, while playing in a more attacking winger's role.

'The season is not over yet, but it has already been a great one for me,' he reflected. 'Playing with the Under-18s has been so valuable. This season, we've had a really young squad, so being one of the older players has meant I’ve had to step up more. It’s pushed me to grow, not just as a player but as a leader.

'I have gained a lot of confidence, both on and off the pitch. I have learned how important it is to lead, to be vocal and to support my team-mates when needed. That has been one of the biggest areas of growth for me this season.

'I noticed straight away how much more physical it is in the Under-21s. You are up against players with senior experience, sometimes two years older. But that is how you improve. You have to compete against the best if you want to become the best.

'I have managed to get on the score sheet a couple of times, which is always a great feeling. Lately, I have been playing higher up the pitch. It has been a different challenge, but learning to adapt is crucial. I enjoy using my speed to create problems for defenders and I am working hard on becoming more clinical in front of goal. Wherever I am asked to play, I will give everything to help the team win.'

In a season already filled with highlights, one moment stands above the rest. At Stamford Bridge on 13 March, Antwi made his senior debut in the UEFA Conference League round of 16, coming on in the closing stages against Copenhagen to replace Pedro Neto.

'The debut was unbelievable,' he said with a smile. 'It’s something you dream about your whole life, but you never expect it to come so soon. Stepping onto that pitch and hearing the crowd was surreal. It felt like time stood still. It’s hard to even describe how it felt. Just amazing.

'The support from everyone was incredible. And, of course, I had to do the debut dance in the changing room afterwards. It was funny and a little bit embarrassing. I’m just hoping no one caught it on video!

'Seeing the reactions from my family, my friends and everyone at the Academy meant everything. It was a major moment in my journey. Now I’m even more determined to keep pushing for minutes and to show that I belong at that level. That’s where I want to be, playing every week.'

With Wolves the first challenge for the Under-21s in the PL2 play-offs and a potential quarter-final against Brighton & Hove Albion or Crystal Palace waiting in the next round, the Blues know what lies ahead.

'Right now we are completely focused,' Antwi concluded. 'The goal is simple. We want to win the Premier League 2 title. That would be the perfect way to finish what has already been an incredible season, both for me and for the team.

'This year has been about stepping up, taking chances and setting the stage for what comes next. We are not finished yet.'

Support the Blues!

There is still time to secure your tickets for our Premier League 2 last-16 tie against Wolves, which kicks off at Kingsmeadow at 6pm on Saturday 26 April. All supporters with a men's or women's season ticket, or a Chelsea Membership, as well as anyone under the age of 20, can claim one free ticket for our Under-21s' match against Wolves via their online ticket account, until midday on Friday 25 April. All other tickets can be purchased for £4 each online or, from two hours before kick-off, at the Kingsmeadow ticket office.

Alternatively, if you are unable to get down to the stadium, the fixture will be available to watch live for free on the official Chelsea website and the Chelsea Official App. To access the feed, head to the homepage shortly before kick‑off, or follow the Chelsea Under-21s vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match Centre below.