Pictured: North Texas SC General Manager Matt Denny and player Bernard Kamungo. Photo Credit: North Texas SC
They came from two very different parts of the world and now find themselves together in Frisco, Texas, joined by their mutual love of soccer. Last week they found themselves together, this time at the Plano Event Center, joined by their mutual goal of becoming U.S. citizens.
North Texas SC General Manager Matt Denny, from Nottingham, England, and 20-year-old player Bernard Kamungo, from Kasulu, Tanzania, attended their naturalization ceremony last Tuesday, where they took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became citizens of the United States.
“I’m really glad we get to share this, it’s a cool story. Bernard’s story is amazing and just to be a part of that, on this step (of it), is amazing,” said Denny. “I’m excited for his journey. Already for him to have signed a contract with his story, that was special, and I’m just honored to be able to share this with him. We’ll always look back on it.”
Kamungo and his family left their home at a refugee camp in Tanzania when he was only 14 years old, landing in Abilene, Texas in 2016. After playing high school soccer in Abilene, he joined North Texas SC in 2021 when his brother signed him up for an open tryout.
“Finally American! This is a really proud moment for my family and I. Coming from Tanzania, relocating here, and now, finally an American citizen,” said Kamungo. “It feels really good. It feels amazing, really. I don’t even know how to describe this moment. Really special moment for me and my family.”
Kamungo has started all nine games for North Texas SC, leading the club in minutes played (792) and goals (5) so far in the first season of MLS NEXT Pro. Through Week 10 of the season, North Texas SC (21 points, 6-1-2) is among the top clubs in the league, currently sitting just one point behind Western Conference-leading Houston Dynamo 2 (22 points, 7-1-1).
