By Bockarie Allieu
FREETOWN, May 27 (SALONE TIMES) – Football members and government authorities in Sierra Leone have their paid last respect to Sierra Leone football Legend Lamin Conteh aka Junior Tumbu.
Lamin Conteh was born on the 20th June 1976 in Freetown. He was one the most talented players ever produced in Sierra Leone due to his natural and incredible dribbling skills on ball. He started his football carrier in the 80’s in the mini leagues in the youth division and later rose to senior level football. It was during those days that he showcased his talent in playing football. His performance in the mini-leagues drew the attention of football authorities from the FA and the various division 1 clubs at that time in the country. Lamin got his first call to represent Sierra Leone in the National U-16 category in the late 80’s. Tumbu went on to play for Under-17, 19, 20, 21 and 23 national teams. He went through all these ranks with exemplary performance with the ball that always entertains the fans. During all this time, Lamin continued his playing carrier alongside education at the St. Edwards Secondary School after his primary school education. Lamin committed his loyalty to the Old Edwardians FC until he signed a contract with A S Kaloum in Guinea. From Guinea he returned to Sierra Leone and headed to Belgium. While playing professional football in Belgium he was part of the team that won the Zone 2 tournament in 1993. Lamin was also in the squad that represented Sierra Leone in the 1994 and 1996 Nation’s Cup in Tunisia and South Africa. Apart from Belgium he also played professional football in Germany, Portugal, UAE, Indonesia Malaysia and many more. Lamin returned home after his professional football carrier. Back home he took up a coaching job with a division1 club Freetown FC in Kenema. He was also part of the technical team that took Leone Stars to the AFCON Tournament in Cameroun. Lamin passed away in Kenema on the 5th May 2022 after a short illness. He was laid to rest at the Kissy Road Cemetery on the 24th May 2022 after a Civic Laying-out ceremony and a burial service at the Limba Pentecostal Church at Fort Street in Freetown.
