Kamara to cap journey to the top
GLEN KAMARA began his footballing career in the UK playing Sunday league in front of crowds barely out of single digits. This coming week he’ll march out of the tunnel at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville with 43,000 packing the terraces.
Just over 5km away as many as 60,000 Rangers supporters who couldn’t get their hands on a ticket will pack into the Estadio La Cartuja to watch the match.
It’s been an incredible jurney for Kamara who fondly recalls his time playing for Sunday side Westway in Ladbroke Grove with mum, Peggy, just as big a fan – and occasional kit woman.
“When I first came to the UK I was playing Sunday league so to now say I’m playing in a Europa League final is crazy,” said Kamara. “I appreciate it more because of that. I’d have been playing in front of 10 or 20 people. Not many at all – 50,000, wow. It’s an honour to play in front of our fans at Ibrox.
“I played for a team called Westway. I was a striker back then, believe it or not.”
Midfielder Kamara doesn’t expect the magnitude of the occasion to hit home until he is in Seville on Wednesday. But he’s certain it’ll mean just as much to his mother, who’ll be in the stands.
“My mum will definitely be there so she’ll be buzzing,” he said. “She’s always been there backing me and helping me out so I can always rely on her. She will probably shed a tear.”
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have taken major scalps on the way to the final with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Braga despatched in the knockout rounds. Asked what has made Rangers so successful in Europe, Kamara said :“Ibrox. They have been our 12th man and every time we come back to Ibrox it gives us a chance to beat everyone.
“I think the fans will still be there whether they’re in the stadium or outside. The support is amazing all the time. We’re grateful to it.”