The matchup between Cardiff City and Leeds United had an emotional touch before the contest got underway with a tribute to Sol Bamba, who played for both sides during his playing career.
In late August, the former Ivory Coast defender, who was formerly the technical director at Turkish club Adanaspor, passed away at the age of 39.
“Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before yesterday’s match against Manisa Football Club, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and sadly lost his battle for life,” Adanaspor said in a statement last month. “Our condolences go out to his family and our community.”
Bamba played for Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City, as well as stints at Palermo in Italy, Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian in Scotland, and Trabzonspor in Turkey.
He made 46 appearances for his national team and scored one goal. After retiring from football in January 2023, he shifted to coaching, first serving as assistant manager at Cardiff before becoming the technical director at Adanaspor.
Sol Bamba’s time at Leeds United
Bamba joined the Whites in January 2015 on loan from Italian outfit Palermo, making 56 appearances across all competitions while scoring five goals.
The center-back made his debut against Huddersfield Town in January 2015, helping the team secure a 2-1 away victory. Just two months later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 away win at Fulham.
Following his departure from Elland Road in September 2016, Bamba joined Cardiff City, where he played from 2016 to 2021. The defender would make 118 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Ahead of the clash between Bamba’s two former clubs, there was a tribute out on the pitch that included his family as the two squads honored the player.
There’ll be a tribute to Sol Bamba before kick off today. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/XmQstkkgEE
— Adam Pope (@apopey) September 21, 2024
RIP Sol Bamba💙💛 pic.twitter.com/YMvHhqX7y9
— Channi Patel🏆💙💛 (@ChanniPatel) September 21, 2024
“Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba at the age of 39,” the club said on August 31 in a statement following the player’s death. “One of the nicest people in football, the thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Sol’s family and friends at this tragic time.”
