Raymond Kalla
Encyclopedia
Raymond Koned Kalla Nkongo (born 22 April 1975 in Douala
), known as Kalla, is a retired Cameroon
ian footballer who played as a central defender.
His main asset was a powerful physique, and he had already been picked for three World Cups
- and started - in his mid-20's.
During 15 years as a professional, Kalla played in four different countries (his own notwithstanding) for six clubs.
, Kalla went on to play in four different countries: first Panachaiki FC
in Greece
, then Spain
's CF Extremadura
(where he played in both major divisions).
In 2002, after Extremadura dropped another level
, Kalla signed with VfL Bochum
in Germany
- he scored five times in his last season, second-best in the squad - but the club was relegated from the Bundesliga
. He also received a three-match ban for anti-doping rules breaching, in late 2003.
Subsequently, Kalla joined Turkish
outfit Sivasspor
for 2005–06, returning home for two final years at Union Douala
, retiring at 33.
61 times, and was a participant at three consecutive FIFA World Cup
s: 1994
, 1998
and 2002
. In the first, he (aged 19) played all the matches and minutes, often being partnered by another youngster, Rigobert Song
(18), in an eventual group stage exit.
After the 2002 World Cup, Kalla announced to retire from the national team due to conflicts with the Federation structure, which he accused of poor organization, but eventually changed his mind.
Initially summoned for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, Kalla was forced to withdraw due to injury, and retired for the second and definitive time.
Douala
Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and the capital of Cameroon's Littoral Province. Home to Cameroon's largest port and its major international airport, Douala International Airport, it is the commercial capital of the country...
), known as Kalla, is a retired Cameroon
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
ian footballer who played as a central defender.
His main asset was a powerful physique, and he had already been picked for three World Cups
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
- and started - in his mid-20's.
During 15 years as a professional, Kalla played in four different countries (his own notwithstanding) for six clubs.
Club career
After starting professionally at Canon Sportif de YaoundéCanon Yaoundé
Canon Sportif de Yaoundé, commonly referred to as Canon Yaoundé, are a Cameroonian football club based in Yaoundé. The club was formed in 1930 and play their games at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo...
, Kalla went on to play in four different countries: first Panachaiki FC
Panachaiki
Panachaiki, known officially as Panachaiki GE , the Pan-Achaean Athletic Union, is a Greek multisport club based in the city of Patras, Greece.- History :...
in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, then Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
's CF Extremadura
CF Extremadura
Club de Fútbol Extremadura was a Spanish football team based in Almendralejo, in the autonomous community of Extremadura. Founded in 1924, it played two seasons in La Liga, and held home games at Estadio Francisco de la Hera, with a capacity of 11,580 seats.-History:Extremadura was founded in 1924,...
(where he played in both major divisions).
In 2002, after Extremadura dropped another level
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
, Kalla signed with VfL Bochum
VfL Bochum
Verein für Leibesübungen Bochum 1848 Fußballgemeinschaft, commonly referred to as simply VfL Bochum, is a German association football club based in the city of Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia.-Founding to World War II:...
in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
- he scored five times in his last season, second-best in the squad - but the club was relegated from the Bundesliga
Fußball-Bundesliga
The Fußball-Bundesliga is a professional association football league in Germany. At the top of Germany's football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 18 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the 2. Bundesliga...
. He also received a three-match ban for anti-doping rules breaching, in late 2003.
Subsequently, Kalla joined Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
outfit Sivasspor
Sivasspor
Sivasspor is a Turkish sports club based in Sivas, Turkey formed in the year 1967. They play in the Turkish Süper Lig. Their manager is currently Riza Calimbay. They finished 15th in the 2010–11 Süper Lig. Their current captain is Hayrettin Yerlikaya....
for 2005–06, returning home for two final years at Union Douala
Union Douala
Union Sportive Douala is a Cameroonian football club based in Douala.-History:It was founded in 1957 and played its home matches in the Stade de la Réunification.-Achievements:*Cameroon Premiere Division: 4...
, retiring at 33.
International career
Kalla played for CameroonCameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
61 times, and was a participant at three consecutive FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
s: 1994
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, 1998
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
and 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. In the first, he (aged 19) played all the matches and minutes, often being partnered by another youngster, Rigobert Song
Rigobert Song
Rigobert Song Bahanag is a former Cameroonian footballer who is currently a main consultant for the famous sports channel 'Orange sports'. Although receiving many propositions from top clubs, Song declined. Song played for Kosovo super league club KF Drenica, when his contract after season 2010/12...
(18), in an eventual group stage exit.
After the 2002 World Cup, Kalla announced to retire from the national team due to conflicts with the Federation structure, which he accused of poor organization, but eventually changed his mind.
Initially summoned for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, Kalla was forced to withdraw due to injury, and retired for the second and definitive time.