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Sayon Keita arrives at UNC after visa approval ahead of classes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 8:58 PM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Sayon Keita arrives at UNC after visa approval ahead of classes

Summary

Freshman center Sayon Keita has been granted his student visa and is traveling to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in preparation for the fall semester starting August 17. Delays in his arrival stemmed from the visa process in Madrid, Spain, where Keita was previously based. His visa approval allows new head coach Michael Malone to have his entire roster in place, though Keita still awaits NCAA clearance to officially play. Keita, who has experience playing with FC Barcelona, is expected to enhance UNC’s depth at the center position alongside recent transfer Cameron Fens and Alexandros Samodurov.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Keita is traveling to Chapel Hill after obtaining his visa.
•Classes at UNC begin on August 17.
•Keita has experience playing professionally in Spain.
•NCAA clearance is still required for him to compete.
•Cameron Fens is a recent transfer to UNC's roster.

Latest Updates

8:58 PMYahoo Sports — Sayon Keita Clears Visa Hurdle, Headed to Chapel Hill Ahead of UNC Classes

What they're saying

"
As first reported by Inside Carolina, UNC freshman Sayon Keita has been granted his student visa and is traveling to Chapel Hill on Saturday, giving Michael Malone his full first Tar Heel roster ahead of Monday's start of classes. Keita is still awaiting NCAA clearance.
— Yahoo Sports

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Barcelona Real Madrid Atletico Madrid LaLiga Soccer