Gus Mafuta arrived at the Vic in the summer of 2019 having been released by newly-promoted Salford City. His no-nonsense style in the heart of midfield established him as something of a fans' favourite in the early stages of the season until two events seemed to have an adverse effect. First there was a home game in which Dover Athletic's Inih Effiong was on the receiving end of racial abuse, an incident that incensed a number of players on both sides. This was quickly followed by the sacking of Craig Hignett, the manager who brought Mafuta to the club. Hignett's successor was Dave Challinor, and Mafuta found himself less certain of his place in the system that the new manger preferred to play. He was only a substitute in each of his last four appearances before the season was cut short in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Boreham Wood enquired about Mafuta's availability during the summer of 2020 and, with the midfielder being one of the club's top earners, and not an essential part of Challinor's plans, a free transfer was agreed and Mafuta headed south.