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Leone Stars Captain, Umaru Bangura has stated in an interview that he is determine to continue serving his country and will retire when necessary.
“I’m not yet ready to quit. I’m still strong, still have power and good enough to continue playing,” Bangura who plays for Swiss side Xamax Nuchatel told Sierra Leone Football.com.
“I’m the one who is playing football, I know how I feel, if I feel like I’m tired I’ll know what to do.”
“I don’t think someone should dictate to me when to quit.” he affirmed.
He stated that he is 34, a central defender, he believes the next person who lasts longer on the pitch after a goalkeeper is a defender.”
“So he believes he is still good to go and ready to continue. When I feel like I’m tired I’ll quit, I still have lots of work to do with the national team (Leone Stars), and I’ll continue to serve my country.” he emphasized.
“The tournament means a lot to all of us the players because it was the first time we were playing at the AFCON. It’s a dream come true.” he stated
Umaru feels that their performance at the AFCON has lifted up the confidence of the players going to the 2023 qualifiers.”
He is confident that Sierra Leone is now a threat as they have now been considered as a footballing nation.
He stated that whatever group they find themselves in, they’ll take them seriously, they’ll fear them because they are now a good team.”
However, many Sierra Leonean fans are questioning the Captain’s fitness level in the current Leone Star’s Squad. Considering his age and time spent with the national team, some football pundits are suggesting that the captain should retire from international football.
As the clamouring for new faces in the Leone Stars Squad squad continues, the decision is left with the Coach whether to maintain the central defender or allowed him to hang his boots for international duties.
