Chris Kamara, the iconic figure from SKY SPORTS, has shared the challenging upbringing of his father in Sierra Leone. Kamara, who was born in Middlesbrough on Christmas Day in 1957 to a Sierra Leonean father named Alimamy Kindo Kamara, recently took to social media to discuss his father’s early experiences. This comes after an appeal from the charity Street Child UK.
In his tweet, Kamara revealed that his father left Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 1945 to escape the poverty and the mud hut that was their home. He expressed his disappointment that, even in 2023, not much has changed in the country. Kamara’s comments shed light on the struggles faced by his father and the ongoing challenges in Sierra Leone.
Interestingly, Kamara himself had the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone during his playing career. However, he turned down the offer as England manager Sir Bobby Robson hinted at a potential call-up for the Three Lions, which never materialized. In a tweet from January 2022, Kamara mentioned that he had the chance to play for Sierra Leone but was advised by Robson to wait for a call that never came.
Kamara’s decision to decline playing for Sierra Leone and his father’s tough upbringing highlight the connection he feels with the country. Despite not representing Sierra Leone on the football field, Kamara continues to be passionate about his father’s heritage and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the people of Sierra Leone.
After leaving his role on Sky Sports in 2022 due to voice-related difficulties, Kamara has remained active in the media industry. He currently hosts ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK and co-hosts the BBC’s Proper Football podcast with Ben Shephard. Kamara’s emotional appearance on Britain Get Singing on Christmas Eve further showcased his resilience and determination.