Leone Stars Legend Kabba China passes away
Leone Stars and Mighty Blackpool legend, Kabba Kamara, popularly known as “Kabba China” passed away on Tuesday 26th February, 2013 at about 3 a.m., at 34 Military Hospital, Wilberforce.
Kabba China was born 27th March, 1952 by Madam Sarah and Pa. Saccoh Kamara, he attended the S.O.S, Juba municipal and Bishop Johnson schools, and later studied Mechanical Engineering at the Freetown Trade Centre, Kissy Dockyard.
He started his football career with Brookfeilds FC in the 2nd division and the team was promoted to the 1st division and he was decorated as the goal king.
Kabba China later joined Western Rangers another Division one clubs and played alongside Brima Mazola, Albert Conteh, King Doma, Joko Sil and several key players.
It was at Western Rangers with his outstanding performance that he got a call up into the Senior National team, Leone Stars in 1972. In 1972 he joined Mighty Blackpool and instantly became a household hero with his goal scoring talent.
He was part of the Leone Stars 25 man contingent that travelled to China in 1974 and played 7 matches and scored 9 goals; since that year he got the nickname “Kabba China” earning the goal king trophy.
It was Leone Stars outstanding performance in China that helped us to have our only National Stadium.
In China he played along side the likes of Umaru Din Sesay, Amadu Kargbo, Patrick Dangawalie, Augustus Lawson, Obi Metzeger, Christian Cole, Manneh Peters, Abu Syrian Bangura, Nat Johnson, Jebbor Sherrington, and several others.
Before his death he told this press that his memorable success with club was when Mighty Blackpool won the 1st Division championship from 1974-78.
He became Leone Stars skipper in 1979 when Umaru Deen Sesay the longest serving captain retired from active football for country and club.
Kabba China also retired a few years later and enrolled in coaching clubs such as Regent Olympic, Golf Leopards FC, Goderich FC and his former club, Mighty Blackpool. He served the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for thirty-two years and was the team manager of the retired National Football Heroes who are preparing for their trip in the ECOWAS Veteran Football tournament in Senegal next month.
He attended the Association’s executive meeting on Saturday 23rd February at the National Stadium and on Monday 25th February he was part of the executive delegation that visited the Minister of Sports, Hon. Paul Kamara. Towards midnight his pressure shot up and he was rushed to 34 Military Hospital and later passed away.
He is survived by his wife, Onikeh, 6 children and 3 grandchildren.
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