Signing your first professional MLS contract and making your senior international debut in the same year isn’t the stuff of your average 22-year-old.
But Orlando City SC’s Kamal Miller doesn’t do average. Some said he was “never supposed to be here” but here he is – and how. 2019 was, and still very much is, Kamal’s year!
The journey from the collegiate level to Major League Soccer is a well-beaten path trodden by many. Yet few have achieved such rapid progress and earned so much respect in the time Kamal Miller has.
On January 11, 2019, Kamal Miller‘s life changed forever.
Selected as the 27th overall pick (his current jersey number) by Orlando City SC in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, the moment was the culmination of years of hunger, grit and downright determination.
Suddenly part of a team comprising fellow Canadian-born Will Johnson, Tesho Akindele and Greg Ranjitsingh, the latter of which also hails from Scarborough, Ontario, a matter of miles from where Miller grew up in Malvern, he immediately felt at home in Central Florida.
But nothing could’ve prepared Kamal Miller for the feats he was set to achieve in a matter of only 164 days.
Just 50 days after being selected by Orlando City SC in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Kamal Miller made his full senior debut in Major League Soccer, starting the Lions 2-2 season opener against New York City FC.
Only 16 days later, Miller received his first ever call-up to the senior Canadian men’s national team after head coach John Herdman selected the 22-year-old for his CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying squad to face French Guiana.
And a further 98 days later, Kamal Miller fulfilled yet another lifelong ambition by pulling on the red of the Canadian men’s national team to make his senior international debut for the Canucks in a 7-0 rout of Cuba at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup – not a bad stage to make your bow.
Fast forward to August 2019 and Kamal Miller has made 12 overall appearances for Orlando City SC and recently enjoyed the pleasure of starting against Toronto FC in front of his hometown crowd – and the stands he used to sit in as a boy.
With many adoring friends and family members keenly following his every touch at BMO Field, it was an incredibly proud moment for the defender.
Boasting a list of triumphs so enviable it has many of us wondering what we achieved this year, 2019 is quite simply a year Kamal Miller will never forget.
Orlando City UK caught up with Kamal Miller to find out a little bit more about the Ontario boy turned man.
Scroll down to read the interview.
.@OrlandoCitySC 3️⃣ point squad goals with @KMillz_00! 💪🏽🇨🇦#BeatImpact 😁#MTLvORL #OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/BHmpkeJDRk
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) June 1, 2019
You’ve had quite a rollercoaster year! How did it feel to represent Canada at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup?
To represent Canada at the Gold Cup was a dream come true!
To be surrounded by the guys I was once in the crowd supporting was an incredible feeling. I learned so much from the veterans and overall, it was a great success.
Sum up your emotions when you were selected by Orlando City SC in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
When I was drafted by Orlando City SC, I was so happy because I had spoken to Cyle Larin about when he was drafted there and his experiences.
I had decent knowledge about the club prior to my name being called so it was crazy I got drafted here.
Tell us more about your background. You grew up in Ontario and went on to play at Syracuse University…
I grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, particularly an area called Malvern. My environment was quite toxic and soccer saved my life!
A lot of my friends were involved in the wrong crowds. Some ended up dead or in jail. Some people say I was never supposed to be here. I feel like I beat the odds.
From high school, I then went to play for Syracuse from 2015 to 2018. Coach Ian saved me because most schools said I wouldn’t get in.
He took a risk taking me and it paid off heavily for the both of us.
James O’Connor has played you at CB and LB so far this season. Which position is your strongest?
As a left sided player, I feel comfortable in both positions. My whole life I played both.
Throughout college, I was a centre back in a back three for most of the time. I feel I have a good skill set to play both.
Also, wherever James O’Connor plays me, he always prepares me and has full confidence in my abilities.
What team did you support as a child?
At a very young age I grew up supporting Toronto FC. I went to most of their games with my Dad when I was younger.
My favourite team to watch is Bayern Munich.
Who is your footballing idol?
My footballing idol is Sergio Ramos.
He is what most people refer to as an “undersized” centre back. This being said, his positioning and timing has to be perfect.
We have a similar stature height-wise so he is someone I’ve always looked up to.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself as a captain of a club. Leading them to a championship and fighting week in, week out for my team.
I’m also hopefully the captain of the Canadian national team and earning many caps.
Who is your best mate at Orlando City SC?
My best mate here at Orlando City SC is tough to say.
I’m obviously very close with Greg Ranjitsingh as we come from the same place back home in Canada. I’m also very close with my fellow rookies Benji Michel and Santiago Patiño.
I live with Danilo Acosta and I spend most of my time with him so I’ll say Danilo as we have a lot in common and always are having a laugh.
What are your personal goals for the rest of 2019?
My personal goals for 2019 are to grow in every aspect of my game. To perform well in the opportunities I get and hopefully score a goal or two.
Most importantly, I want to make the MLS Cup Playoffs and have an impact in the success of the team.
*THIS INTERVIEW WAS EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCTED BY ORLANDO CITY UK ON AUGUST 16TH 2019*