- Kevin Wright is set to make his international debut for Sierra Leone on Friday.
- The former Chelsea academy graduate says playing for Sierra Leone for the first time is a challenge and opportunity he is relishing.
- Wright, 24, is presently in Nouakchott Mauritania as one of three new faces named for the first national assignment.
- Leone Stars take on Mauritania on October 9 at the Stade Olympique (Nouakchott) in preparation for next months’ doubleheader against Group L leaders Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Mauritanians were runner-ups during the 1995 Amilcar Cabral Cup, after losing to Sierra Leone on penalties.
They played in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.
Wright joined Premier League giants Chelsea at aged 11 and worked his way through the youth ranks to earn his first professional deal at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2013.
He was part of Chelsea‘s academy in 2005 and went on to play for the club’s development squad between 2014 and 2016 before his departure.
Presently trading with Örebro in the Swedish Allsvenskan, the former Fredrikstad defender has been a pivotal figure since his move to the Orebro-based side.
“I’m excited because this is a new opportunity and a new challenge, one I am looking forward to,” Wright told FSL UK from Nouakchott.
“After a long time thinking of Sierra Leone, I think this is the right time for me to present the birth country of my parents. Hopefully, we can achieve a positive result together in moving forward.”
“I am in good form in Sweden having a good season. I hope to bring that, to the Leone Stars.”
Wright confirmed his connection with Sierra Leone, “I was born in London with both of my parents from Sierra Leone.”
He has played in 20 matches for the in Swedish Allsvenskan side this season and was part of Orebro’s 3-2 win over IF Elfborg on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone completed their first training in Mauritania with 19 local stars with six foreign-based after their safe arrival with a 42-man delegation including Sports Minister Ibrahim Nyelenkeh.
After Mauritania, the team will travel to Niger for their second friendly test on Tuesday 13th October at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché de Niamey (SGSK).
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone, the writer @bittar32 Contact bittar@footballsierraleone.net.
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