CAUGHT IN THE KAMARA LENS
Rangers star Glen clicked with Aribo during A-lister five-a-sides in London and focused him on Ibrox move
I told Joe that Rangers were a massive club and the fans were crazy
IMAGINE the scene. You are sweating your way around your local five-a-side complex, seeking to shed fat or a weekend hangover, when your attention is taken by action on the next pitch.
The exceptional standard of technique — and physique — immediately marks these guys as something different. Look a little closer and it becomes clear why. They are professional players, including some high-profile names, competing for the love of the game and bragging rights among mates.
It was in this unlikely environment that Glen Kamara first met Joe Aribo. Now midfield colleagues seeking to deliver success for Rangers at home and in the Europa League, Kamara has revealed how they are also part of an all-star London posse that tears up the AstroTurf in summer fixtures around the capital.
They were joined on occasion by English Premier League figures including Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal. Given that Zaha was recently the subject of an unsuccessful £52million bid from Everton, it seems fair to suggest that Palace’s insurance company would likely prefer it if he didn’t participate in any future clashes.
Kamara and Aribo linked up for a game of fives as recently as last year — prior to both ending up at Ibrox — so the former Dundee man knew precisely what Rangers were getting when his friend agreed to move north from Charlton.
The excellent start Aribo has made to life in a Light Blue jersey has included two Europa League goals, including one in last week’s 2-0 win over Progres Niederkorn. Ahead of tonight’s decisive return match at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg, Kamara detailed their unexpected past playing relationship.
‘We have known each other for a good few years through playing five-a-side with each other and having mutual friends,’ said the 23-year-old.
‘I’m from West London, a different part of the city to Joe, but you get about! Every preseason we just got together to play. Like I say, we have got mutual friends and we were in the same team a lot. Even last year.
‘It’s normal five-a-sides — some are in West London, some are South London, just depends where the game is at. It’s mainly all footballers, from different clubs. We all know each other.
‘It’s serious, everyone is competitive and no one wants to lose. Someone organises it and we pick teams and it just goes from there.’
Surely these matches must have gathered decent crowds? In the mobile-phone age, word would spread quickly once a recognisable face had been spotted trotting out of the changing room.
‘It just depends who is watching,’ added Kamara. ‘Sometimes there are a lot of people, other times there is no one watching. If we have big stars coming to play then people watch. Guys like Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Zaha have played.’
Listening to Kamara, you were left with the impression that Aribo often stole the show. He grins broadly and exhales when quizzed about his team-mate’s ability in the smaller-sided game.
‘Oh, he’s really good at fives!’ laughed Kamara. ‘I’ve never really played against him because he’s usually on my team.
‘When I heard Rangers were interested in Joe, I messaged him, told him what it was like and tried to encourage him to come.
‘He asked me a lot of questions about Rangers. I told him the expectations were massive and it’s a big club, the fans are crazy.’
Although their roles are not identical, the arrival of attackminded Aribo has intensified the competition Kamara faces to win a central midfield role.
He was left on the bench last week, as Steven Davis and Ryan Jack joined Aribo in securing a first leg advantage over Progres. Kamara is likely to feature this evening, however, after Davis remained in Glasgow to recover from a hamstring strain.
‘The squad is big already,’ considered Kamara. ‘It’s always a fight and I guess that means the competition is good for the team.
‘We have some great players in central midfield and it’s always going to be tough. But it’s good to have competition. All in all, from front to back, we have improved. We have Jermain Defoe and we’ve brought Jordan Jones in, for example, in the attacking areas. In midfield we got Joe in, who has done really well. Greg Docherty has come back from loan, too.
‘I’ve got loads to learn, the manager has told me little things like getting the ball on target more. Since I joined the club, I’ve got to know everyone well and I guess I’ve settled in all right.’
Kamara certainly impressed in the latter part of last season after making a bargain £50,000 switch from Dundee in January. His poise and intelligence would appear well suited to continental action if Steven Gerrard’s side could repeat the feat of reaching the Europa League group stage. Finishing the
job against Progres would set up a third qualifying round tie against FC Midtjylland of Denmark, with the first leg in Herning next week.
Although he wasn’t at Ibrox when Pedro Caixinha’s side suffered their calamity in 2017, Kamara is aware of the additional significance of victory in Luxembourg.
‘We have to go out there and do a professional job,’ said Kamara, when asked about tonight’s assignment.
‘We probably need another goal. We just need to get the win and qualify. It’s a great experience for me and the team.
‘European football attracts players and it’s good for the club and the players, too. I’ve seen some of the pictures from last season on the wall and I’d love to be part of the action.
‘I’ve heard about the defeat against Progres, so it is important to get through to the next round.’