Al Bangura can stay in England. The Watford F.C. midfielder received deportation notice back in November 2007 but appealed back, based on fears for his life if he were to go back to Sierra Leone. I posted a petition to “save” him back in December, but it seems that his lawyers, thank God, did a good job.

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, he fled the country upon the death of his father. His father was a member of the Poro Secret Society, and tradition stated that his son must join upon his death. Not wanting to, he went to Guinea where he met a Frenchman, who took him to France and intended to make Bangura a male prostitute. When the man took him to England, he sought asylum.

Discovered by a Watford scout playing in a park, he joined the Watford youth set-up, and made his debut against Stoke City whilst still a member of the Academy on 30 April 2005 aged just 17, coming on for an injured Gavin Mahon.

The news in the Watford website says:

Al Bangura has won his fight to remain in the United Kingdom, after a government work permit hearing found in his favor earlier today (Monday.) Awarding him a work permit, pending the completion of standard paperwork, the six-strong comittee decided Al’s footballing credentials warranted extended stay in this country.

I am glad with the decision. Al Bangura belongs in England.