Post a comment 
Two of Sierra Leonean football talent youngsters, Momoh Kamara and Alpha Kabia, are part of Minnesota United FC’s senior pre-season camp in California as the club steps up preparations for the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
The midfielders have been fully integrated into the first-team training group under new head coach Cameron Knowles. Minnesota United, also known as the “Loons,” are using the California camp to lay down the tactical, physical and mental groundwork ahead of their season opener against Austin FC on February 21.
According to the club, Kamara and Kabia earned their places in the senior camp following impressive performances during the 2025 season with the junior team in MLS NEXT Pro. Kamara’s progress was further recognised when Minnesota United exercised his contract option, a move the club said reflects confidence in his development and his “natural feel for the game.” The midfielder was also recently nominated for the CAF Men’s Young Player of the Year award following a stellar performance at the U-20 AFCON Tournament in Egypt last year.
Kabia, meanwhile, had his contract extended through 2026. Minnesota United described him as a key part of MNUFC2’s run to the Western Conference Final, a decision that underlines the club’s long-term belief in his potential.
Speaking during the camp, head coach Knowles said the focus of the California tour is on building fitness, tactical understanding and team chemistry. He noted that the squad must develop enough “volume and capacity” to cope with the demands of the 34-game MLS season.
For Kamara and Kabia, the camp represents a crucial stage in their push for permanent places on the senior MLS roster. The pair already share strong on-field understanding from their time together with Sierra Leone’s Under-20 side and the senior national team, the Leone Stars.
Their readiness will be further assessed at the upcoming Coachella Valley Invitational, where Minnesota United are scheduled to face fellow MLS sides Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United. The matches are expected to provide Kamara and Kabia with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability at the highest level as they seek to make the transition from MLS NEXT Pro to the MLS first team.
