Sol Bamba is back in the Cardiff City side after his recent suspension and likely to be a key figure for the rest of the season. Josh Thomas considers his influence and the reasons behind his early December meltdown following his sending off at Ipswich.
Sol Bamba is a vastly experienced and proven defender with international honours for the Ivory Coast. He has played alongside some of the best players in the world, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. He has also played in six different countries for teams which include PSG, Dunfermline, Hibs, Leicester City, Trabzonspor, Palermo, Leeds United and now Cardiff City.
And yet, when the red mist came down recently, Bamba looked like a Sunday parks footballer after a big night out.
Bamba made an immediate impact at Cardiff City when he scored the winning goal for Cardiff City in the Sevenside derby against rivals Bristol City in Neil Warnock’s first game in charge in October.
After his debut, Warnock said this of his man.“Like top players, he’s got all the attributes. Fortunately for us, we’ve got him at the right time. For me, anyway I’m quite happy.”
Since then, Bamba has gone on from strength to strength. Week-in, week-out, he has shown why he is one of the best players outside the Premier League with consistent and battling displays. He is strong and powerful and possesses leadership qualities that have benefitted his Bluebirds teammates. There is, though, another side to him.
No doubting his talent, but his character has come into question in recent weeks after the game at Ipswich Town. Bamba was the victim of a late tackle from Jonathan Douglas which left the defender full of frustration and fury and provoked an altercation between him and other members of his team and then his own manager.
He was banned for three games. In light of that incident, it is interesting to note that Bamba said this in an interview with The Scotsman during his time with Hibs.
“The thing I don’t like is injustice. When something is just and right, I just have to listen, but when it’s not I just go and argue. I can go crazy. I know I shouldn’t do that. I try to keep my cool.”
Reading this quote, it is difficult not to think back to that incident at Portman Road. The reaction to the challenge was a player trying to make his point known to the officials, having felt he had no protection. But to vent his anger at the Cardiff City bench, when there was no obvious need, was unnecessary and highlighted Bamba’s lack of self-control.
For all that, however, Cardiff City have got a gem on their hands and I believe Warnock is the man to turn Bamba’s career around, regardless of his tendency to lose his temper too easily.
Another quote from Bamba suggests he is learning from past scrapes and that the Ipswich meltdown may be a one-off.
“When I was young, and when I wasn’t happy, I’d argue straight away. I preferred to be direct and speak my mind, not just stay in a bad mood, and that got me into trouble a few times. I’m calmer now.”
Not long after his dismissal he came out with a public apology, stating how he went around publically apologising to each and every one of his teammates and to Warnock. He also apologised to the City supporters.
He went on to say, “I’ve had a fantastic time at Cardiff City since joining in October. My intention is now to make further amends with my performances on the pitch.”
Bamba made his return against Aston Villa on Monday 2nd January, again receiving plaudits for his performance and he put in a battling and encouraging display. He brought some much needed renewed energy to the team.
From now to the end of the season, all Cardiff fans will be watching Bamba with keen interest – hopeful that his no-nonsense approach will not be undermined by that suspect temperament.