By Victor Kanayo
An Ivory Coast international Sol Bamba has passed on, aged 39.
This was disclosed by his current Turkish football club Adanaspor in a statement.
Part of the statement reads, “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”
Bamba who made his final appearance for Ivory Caost in 2014, represented his country at the 2008 Olympics and played in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bamba, a defender had played for Cardiff and Leeds United.
Also, in another statement via X, Leads said, “Everyone at LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away,
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”
Cardiff said Bamba was “a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman”.
In another condolence, Middlesbrough wrote: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time. RIP Sol.”
According to reports, Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy and returned to play again for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough.
Bamba, who was born in France to Ivorian parents, began his playing career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland after failing to establish himself in the first team.
