One of Sierra Leone’s most popular football stars Lamin Conteh, widely known as Junior Tumbu, has died this morning in Kenema after a short illness, as reported. Junior Tumbu was widely regarded by football fans as the best Sierra Leonean player because of his powerful dribbling skills.

Lamin Junior Tumbu Conteh in the middle, with Leone Stars Technical Officials.

Junior Tumbu was part of Leone Stars Technical Team in Cameroon for the 2021 AFCON finals 4 months ago. Untill his death, he was also serving as Coach/Technical Man at his former club, East End Lions Football Club in Freetown.

Junior started his professional career at East End Lions FC in Sierra Leone before going abroad to play for various clubs, including Beerschot VAC, SV Meppen, Boavista, Varzim, Pelita Jaya and more. He also represented the Sierra Leone National Team (Leone Stars) between 1994 and early 2000s, where he served as a captain for many years. Junior Tumbu was an attacking midfielder with so much talents which earned his respect from football fans across the country and beyond. He had 28 caps and 4 goals for Leone Stars.

He died at age 45. May his soul rest in peace