It was only in February 2022 that we welcomed to the Association our former West African born striker Amadou Bakayoko. The popular former Sky Blue (with a CCFC nickname and supporters’ chant all his own) was never prolific for the Sky Blues but often used as an impact player to good effect. Now we can celebrate with the Siera Leonian his 28th birthday. Congrats ‘Baka’!
Born in Kenema, on New Years Day 1996 ‘Baka’ came to the Netherlands as a youngster to begin his footballing journey. Amadou moved to the UK in his mid teens and won a place with the Walsall FC Academy where the striker found the net frequently with both the Saddlers’ youth and reserve teams. Graduating to the first team with a one year professional contract he made his Saddlers’ debut in April 2013. City’ West Midlands neighbours briefly loaned ‘Baka’ out to three lower level teams to gain further experience.
In order these were Conference Premier side Southport (2014) where he scored on his debut and finished with two goals in his dozen games; National League North AFC Telford for six games in 2015 and a decent three in nine games for National League North side Worcester City in 2016. After five Saddlers’ seasons and eighteen goals in 106 Walsall games, at the end of his contract Baka moved to CCFC.
Signing for Mark Robins‘ Sky Blues, then in League One on 7th August 2018 for an undisclosed fee on a two year deal ‘Baka’ made his City debut four days later in a goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon. He got his first goal (a penalty) just before half time, which won the game for the Sky Blues against Plymouth Argyle two games later. By the time he left on May 2021 after three Sky Blue seasons he had pulled on the first team shirt 85 times and netted thirteen goals with more appearances made off the bench than as a starter!
The following month he was signed on a two-year deal by League One outfit Bolton Wanderers where he scored on his debut and where he was still plying his trade at that level in 2022-23. At the time of writing the 6’4″ forward has knocked in a decent seventeen goals in his 62 appearances for the Trotters.
Have a great Birthday today ‘Baka’!! We look forward to seeing you back at the CBS at a CCFPA function when your playing and other commitments allow!