Beyond the scintillating and exciting dramas on the pitch, football has produced some Hollywood-worthy stories and one of such is Bernard Kamungo’s heartwarming tale of triumph over adversity. The 21-year-old’s meteoric rise from a Tanzanian refugee camp to the spotlight of FC Dallas has captured the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide. And this morning, witnessing Lionel Messi’s greatness on the field during a thrilling match, Kamungo’s extraordinary journey resonates as a true Hollywood story.
In front of a sellout crowd at Toyota Stadium on Sunday night, FC Dallas got to witness the greatness that is Lionel Messi as the two sides traded goals on the way to a 4-4 draw that ended with Miami winning on penalties 5-3. Messi scored two goals and assisted on another, while FC Dallas got goals from Alan Velasco, Bernard Kamungo, and Facundo Quignon.
Who would have thought, Kamungo’s name would be on the same scoreboard as the 7-time Ballon D’or winner? 10 years ago, Bernard Kamungo was playing soccer with balls made out of plastic bags at a refugee camp in Tanzania
Born in 2002 in a massive refugee camp in western Tanzania, Bernard Kamungo spent his early years living in challenging conditions with his parents and five siblings. Soccer was his escape from the harsh realities of life, with makeshift balls fashioned from medical gloves and old clothes enabling him to showcase his natural talent.
At the age of 14, Kamungo’s life took a remarkable turn when his family was resettled in the United States by the International Rescue Committee. Arriving in Abilene, Texas, the Kamungo family experienced amenities they had never known before, including electricity, plumbing, and refrigeration. With a passion for soccer and a newfound sense of hope, Bernard began to dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
Despite facing language barriers and cultural adjustments, Kamungo found solace on the soccer field, bonding with his peers through the beautiful game. His impressive skills caught the attention of his high school coach, Kyle Riese, who eagerly welcomed him to the varsity squad. Despite limited opportunities due to financial constraints, Bernard’s determination never wavered. Assisted by his supportive older brother, Imani, he participated in an FC Dallas open tryout and caught the eye of the club’s second team, North Texas Soccer Club (NTSC).
Making a bold decision to leave high school to pursue his soccer dreams, Kamungo joined NTSC, where his talent shone brightly. Within two seasons, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, showcasing his prowess and potential to FC Dallas. In August, he achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first player to progress from open tryouts to FC Dallas’ first-team, earning a four-year contract.
Living his dream of playing professional soccer, Kamungo has impressed both coaches and fans alike with his electrifying performances. With each game, he continues to prove that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible achievements. Recently called up by the Tanzanian national team, Kamungo’s journey has now expanded to international arenas, where he aspires to represent his country with pride.
As Bernard Kamungo thrives on the soccer field, he remains grounded, appreciating the present and relishing every moment of his remarkable journey. He recently fulfilled a promise to FC Dallas’ general manager, Matt Denny, by earning his high school diploma. Moreover, he became an American citizen, reflecting his commitment to embracing new opportunities and contributing positively to the community.
