Sierra Leone's identical Koroma twins wanted to be like Man Utd stars
During their childhood six-a-side games in Sierra Leone, twin brothers Alhassan and Alusine Koroma would dream of emulating Brazilian footballers.
But rather than the likes of Ronaldo or Kaka, it was two lesser-known defenders they identified with most.
"We grew up admiring Manchester United?s Da Silva brothers," Alhassan and Alusine, now 24, told BBC Sport Africa, explaining the kinship they felt with their fellow identical twins, Fabio and Rafael.
"People used to compare us with them," Alhassan continued.
"Because we liked the comparison we used to play as full-backs wearing jersey numbers 2 and 3.
"I would put on the number 3 and was nicknamed Fabio and Alusine was called Rafael and used to wear the number 2."
The Da Silvas moved to the Premier League aged 18 in 2008 and stayed at Old Trafford for six and seven years respectively.
"We wanted to be like them. We saw them as a source of inspiration and motivation. We promised ourselves to follow their footsteps of playing together as well as excelling in our careers."
The Koroma brothers eventually shifted positions when they joined Marampa Stars, a second-tier side, after a brief spell with the now-defunct Craig Bellamy academy on the outskirts of the Sierra Leonean capital, Freetown.
Alusine moved into midfield while Alhassan became a left winger.
But they still managed to achieve their goals, turning out together for clubs in their homeland and Spain, and becoming the first twins to represent the Leone Stars.
Although they now play for different clubs on separate continents, the brothers retain a deep connection and an unwavering support for one another.
