Back in July I spoke with 18-year-old Kler Heh, an ethnic Karen born in a Thai refugee camp near the Myanmar border, who had earned a first contract with Sheffield United in England’s third tier. (Can read the interview here). I’ve been checking the Sheffield United website recently to see how Kler was getting on in the Blades’ under-21 side this term and happy to report things appear to be going well. Nice assist here for the winning goal last week against Bolton Wanderers in the cup.
Kler said he was keen to play for Myanmar or Thailand but because of his refugee status and lack of passport for either country he believed it would be difficult. The piece I wrote seemed to generate lots of interest for Kler and reports in Myanmar said the White Angels had approached him about playing for them. Nothing seems to have happened yet, but perhaps it will after the sacking of Raddy Avramovic as head coach over the weekend and the promotion of youth team boss Gerd Zeise to the role.
Myanmar have excelled at youth level recently, reaching the under-20s World Cup under Zeise and his appointment as head coach of the national team came with calls for more of the youth players to get a chance at full level. Perhaps an opportunity for Kler if he continues his good displays for the Blades?
Photo: Kler Heh/Facebook
Patrick Johnston 