Sensational striker to take pitch with CBU men’s soccer program

Sensational striker to take pitch with CBU men's soccer program

Amadou Bayo has chance to be 'one of the best [Capers] of all time': Morley

By Corey LeBlanc

The next stop in a soccer – and life's – journey that has already covered more than 7,000 kilometres will be the Cape Breton University (CBU) campus.

Amadou Bayo, a native of Guinea in West Africa – who moved to Montreal when he was eight years old, is the newest addition to the highly-touted Caper men's soccer program.

"I can't wait – I am so excited," the 18-year-old says of making his first visit to the Maritimes, which will take place when he arrives for his first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) training camp in late August.

Although he has never been to Cape Breton, Bayo notes, "I have heard it is a really beautiful place."

He adds, "It will be amazing to finally see it for myself."

Speaking of 'beautiful,' that could be one of the myriad adjectives used to describe the dynamic striker and his game.

As for his start in soccer, Bayo notes – considering it is the "most important sport" in Africa – it is not surprising that he gravitated toward the pitch. He was also continuing a family tradition; his father, Oumar, played for the Guinean national team.

"Working hard," he remembers of the approach he took to soccer from the get-go, a mindset that remains part of the foundation of his game.

Seven years after his parents – Oumar and Makhissa Youla – came to Canada, both received scholarships to study medicine, their son joined them.

"It was huge," Bayo says, offering that coming to this country helped him take his game to the "next level."

Since landing on Canadian soil, he has steadily climbed the ranks in one of the nation's soccer hotbeds, including time with the highly regarded CF Montréal development program, while establishing his reputation as a lethal goal scorer.

Bayo further cemented that reputation last November during the prestigious One Pro Sports Management (OPSM) showcase in Ottawa, an annual event that not only attracts top players from across Canada but also varsity head coaches from here and south of the border. 

"I went there to watch and recruit two players we had identified but after two days, I left knowing that I didn't want them; the only player I wanted was Amadou," Morley says of the first time he watched Bayo in person. 

While praising his performance, the CBU mentor adds, "His potential, athleticism, talent, and desire – combined with an infectious smile and love for the game – captivated me."

After their first conversation, Morley remembers thinking, "I knew he was going to be a Caper."

Noting that he "played really well" – capturing MVP honours in consecutive games – Bayo recalls receiving plenty of praise from a lot of coaching suitors, but his interaction with Morley stood out.

"Deano was the only one who told me that I could grow and get better. He just didn't tell me what I wanted to hear," the student-athlete says.

He adds, "I loved the honesty."

Bayo explains that Morley outlined how he could develop his game at CBU.

"I really want to learn, and I knew this [CBU] is the place where I can do it," he offers.

As for the strengths of his game, Bayo says, "I can run really fast," which is a key ingredient when it comes to his special ability to put the ball in the net.

That speed, he explains, along with his ability to make "quick turns," allow him to get behind the opponent's 'D'.

Noting his "vision," Bayo says his ability to "see the field" allows him to "push the ball" and increase the pace of play.

He also points to his skill as a dribbler and passer.

"We are incredibly excited," Morley says of what Bayo will bring to the Capers, even in his freshman campaign.

He adds, "Amadou has the potential to be the glue for our program."

Morley also praises Bayo for what he describes as a "rare quality," a genuine appreciation for having the opportunity to become a Caper, while focusing on what he can provide to the perennial contenders.

As for on the pitch, the CBU bench boss says Bayo is "fast, strong and a big goal scorer."

Noting his "eye for the goal," Morley adds that his student-athlete is "very exciting when he takes the pitch."

He expects that Bayo will "score a lot of goals" in Caper orange.

As for expectations for his first season, the striker says, "I really want to learn," while noting the talent and experience he will be joining on the CBU roster.

He adds, "I am a team player – someone who wants to contribute to the team's success in any way I can."

Bayo wants to make an "immediate impact," particularly with his scoring ability.

While working to reach that goal, he explains that – with the benefit of working with the experienced CBU coaches and players – learning how to "understand the game more deeply" is also a top priority, developing more than just the physical side.

"I want to get better – be more efficient – when the pace slows, and I can't go as fast as I can," Bayo explains.

When all is said and done in his freshman campaign, he hopes to be a contributor to the six-time AUS champions' quest to capture a U SPORTS national championship on home turf in November while also improving his stock for the next Canadian Premier League (CPL) draft.

Along with his athletic pursuits, Bayo will focus on his start in CBU's Bachelor of Science program – majoring in biology – while in the classroom.

"I want to help people," he offers of his career aspiration, which – at this point – is following in his parents' footsteps into medicine.

And, of course, Bayo will continue on his soccer journey as far as it will take him, including any opportunities in the professional ranks.

Whether it is on the field or in the classroom – on campus or in the community – Morley expects him to make a "massive impact."

"Amadou has the chance to be one of the best [Caper men's soccer players] of all-time," he says.

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