Why new Norwich City signing Kei Kamara is a cult hero in Kansas

Kei Kamara Twitter photos - @KeiKamara - Kamara with a fan showing his 'hearts with hands' celebration.

David Freezer Wednesday, February 6, 2013
12:00 PM

New Norwich City signing Kei Kamara’s difficult upbringing in Sierra Leone seem to have taught him to enjoy life, as his broad grin and wacky antics made him something of a cult hero in Kansas.

A still from the YouTube trailer of Kei, the documentary about the life of Norwich City player Kei Kamara made by Copper Pot Pictures.

And, in the true style of a modern footballer, his account on micro-blogging website Twitter has helped him to make those connections with fans.

In January 2011 Kamara decided he wanted to take advantage of some fresh snowfall and to have a snowball fight.

He soon spread the word on Twitter and around 50 locals joined him and some of his team-mates in some fun which soon became an online hit, with a video going on YouTube and a local photography agency taking lots of photos.

Kamara then took everyone who came out for the snowball fight for burritos at a local restaurant, Chipotle.

Norwich City's Kei Kamara in the documentary about his life. Photo: Clay Frost for Copper Pot Pictures.

His ‘heart-shaped hands’ goal celebration has become hugely popular with fans as well, with fans often sending him photos on Twitter of them mimicking his celebration.

Dave LaMattina, from Copper Pot Pictures, said: “To Norwich supporters, I’ll say get ready. Kei loves engaging with fans. From the little I’ve seen of Norwich’s supporters already, I think it’s a great match.

“I hope, and believe, Kei will flourish there. The man just loves to play the game.”

While Tod Palmer, the Kansas City Star newspaper’s Sporting Kansas City writer, added: “Kei is a prankster. He loves startling teammates and is constantly cracking jokes at training. That playful nature was well received in Kansas City.

“He hadn’t necessarily shown that side of himself at previous stops in MLS, but Kei felt comfortable with Sporting.

“That comfort allowed him to let his guard down, so people saw his big heart, his work in the community and loved him for it.”

- For the full story about Kei Kamara’s inspiring life, see the link at the top-right of this page.

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7 comments

Though we will not know if he works out for a while, it seems that he has already brought a deal of charisma and feel-good with him.

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Swiss Canary

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Glad to hear that Kei`s "Big Yellow Duster" is history, Prairieman! I echo what goldeneadie says. Kei could provide an element of surprise, if nothing else. Like most City fans, I am willing for him to be one of those phenomena that happen so rarely. Fingers crossed!

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, February 7, 2013
all indications are that we have got a live one here. just hope his on field activities are as entertaining as his off field ones are. could quickly become a cult hero to canary fans.

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goldeneadie

Thursday, February 7, 2013
Kei Kamar(a), Kamar (a) Whatever will be be, will be, He's joined Norwich City, Kei Kamar(a)!

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atlanta canary

Thursday, February 7, 2013
We weren't scoring goals until we got Kei We weren't having fun until we got Kei Now we're top of the east and I know why Because we got Kei Because we got Kei Because we got Kei Buh da Buh Buh Buh Buh

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shipsh

Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Yellow beard is long ago "toast".

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Man from the Prairie

Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Perhaps Kei will be able to make young Jacob Butterfield smile? If Kei proves to be a decent player at this level (assuming he actually gets to play.....), I have a feeling the fans are going to take to him big time. I hope he`s gotten rid of that yellow beard now. Makes him look bit of a Cissé. ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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