By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Sierra Leone’s national football team, Leone Stars, has officially welcomed veteran striker Kei Kamara back. On April 21, 2022, Kamara announced his retirement from international football to focus on his club career, where he made an impact with over 100 goals and achieved 300 appearances in Major League Soccer (MLS). According to insiders, his departure was reportedly due to various personal and professional factors.
Kamara’s absence, however, has been felt keenly by Leone Stars, especially during critical matches where his experience was missed. Recognizing this gap, authorities from Sierra Leone’s government sports agency, alongside key officials, reached out to Kamara, encouraging him to return to the national squad.
Coach Amidu Karim confirmed that he initially contacted Kamara but didn’t receive the response he had hoped for. However, with further support from influential figures, Kamara ultimately decided to rejoin Leone Stars, bringing his expertise and leadership back to the team as they prepared for crucial upcoming matches.
At 40, Kamara holds the remarkable second position on Major League Soccer’s (MLS) all-time scoring list, a testament to his exceptional goal-scoring prowess. His impressive form on the field garners widespread praise, with his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the game poised to significantly benefit the team during this critical juncture.
Fans and sports enthusiasts across the country are lauding his decision to return from retirement and represent his nation when it matters most, underscoring the positive impact his presence can have on the team’s performance.
Having previously retired in November 2019 and April 2022, Kamara’s comeback is met with high hopes, especially following his crucial goal against Benin in June 2021. This goal secured Sierra Leone’s qualification for the 2021 AFCON, marking their first appearance since 1996. Despite his heroic efforts, his missed penalty against Equatorial Guinea in the AFCON finals in Cameron led to their premature exit in the group stage.
As the match dates draw near, Sierra Leoneans eagerly anticipate Kamara’s contribution to the national squad, hopeful that his exceptional skill and unwavering commitment will propel the team to success on the field.
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