October 4, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jr
Kebbie poses with an Atletico Madrid shirt inside the Vicente Calderon stadium Photo: Daily Mail
Former Atlético Madrid defender, Elliot Kebbie could possibly have the opportunity to play for the Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars after confirming he has been contacted by the Sierra Leone coach, John Keister.
The former Leeds United youth academy is eligible to play for Sierra Leone on account of his heritage – as his grandparents are from Sierra Leone.
Kebbie told United Kingdom based echo-news that he is all but assured a shot after Sierra Leone head coach John Keister got in touch with him while in England and the 23-year-old defender is hugely excited at the prospect.
“It is pretty much nailed on,” said Kebbie, who is yet to visit the country. “I spoke to their head coach this week and he wants me to play in a friendly before Christmas, ahead of next year’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“I have been speaking to them for a few months – back when I was playing in the Norwegian Premier League for Sandefjord.
“The team was undergoing a period of transition back then so maybe it was not the best time to be involved but I have waited and would love to play a part.
“I think the head coach is looking to bring in some younger players so to help them try and reach the African Cup of Nations would be brilliant – for myself and the country.”
Kebbie who now plays for Billericay Town is the son of former Ruby League and Ruby Union player Brimah Kebbie. The defender joined Leeds United from Brighouse Juniors at the age of seven, remaining in the club’s youth system for nine years.
After spending two months on trial with Barcelona in 2011, Kebbie eventually signed for Atletico Madrid in January 2012 for a fee of up to £500,000. Kebbie went on loan to Rangers in August 2012, before being forced to return to his home town permanently after being struck down by the Epstein–Barr virus.
On 23 January 2014, Kebbie signed a short-term contract with Premier League side Hull City to aid his rehabilitation before then going on trial with Doncaster Rovers in July 2014. He joined Brighouse Town in October 2014.
In July 2015, Kebbie had overcome a post viral fatigue syndrome and joined Salford City before signing briefly for Bradford Park Avenue and then immediately a six-month contract with Barnsley development squad on 12 July 2016. In November 2016 Kebbie went on trial with Birmingham City but decided upon regular first team football at Sandefjord in Norway. In August 2009, Kebbie was called up to the England U-16 squad, playing 3 matches.