By Jake Maddaford
It may have ended as a weekend to forget for Cardiff City supporters, but Saturday began very much as a day to remember.
The man held in remembrance, by fans of both Cardiff and Leeds United, was Sol Bamba, who passed away three weeks ago at the age of 39, following a battle with cancer.
This was the Bluebirds’ first home game since the tragic news on 31st August, and it was the perfect fixture for it.
Not only was Bamba a legend of Cardiff City, but he also spent two years prior at Leeds, where he was just as admired and loved.
Pre-match, the players warmed up in shirts sporting a photo of Bamba on the front, and his now iconic number 14 on the back.
https://twitter.com/AlunDaviesMS/status/1837535764454035777
There were also clips of Bamba’s goals throughout his career, including his crucial strike for Cardiff against Brentford in the 2017/18 season, which, ultimately, ended in promotion for Bamba and co.
There was an appearance pitchside from ex-Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, who coached Bamba for much of his Cardiff career. In an act of allegiance, Warnock he did the ayatollah to the Canton Stand.
Just before kick-off, wreaths were laid in the centre circle and the players gathered around to join in a minute’s applause. During that tribute, a large banner was visible in the Canton Stand with Bamba’s face on it.
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Throughout the game, both fans joined in chants of, “there’s only one Sol Bamba”- putting rivalries aside to remember a player who was adored by both sets of fans.
During the second half, there was a prolonged period where Cardiff fans were chanting Bamba’s name to the tune of “Last Christmas” by Wham, a chant that became synonymous with the Paris-born Ivorian international during his spell in South Wales.
It's was an emotional day at the Cardiff City stadium. ❤️
Watch as family members, fans and players at Cardiff City v Leeds United pay tribute to Sol Bamba. ⬇️#BBCFootball #SolBamba pic.twitter.com/okHsos2O0Y
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 21, 2024
In the match programme, Cardiff’s manager Erol Bulut – in his final column before his dismissal – said the game had “extra meaning” because of what Bamba meant to supporters, while chairman Mehmet Dalman described the former defender as “one of a kind”.
“Sol’s enthusiasm and love for the game made him a joy to be around. When someone has that much energy and a zest for life, it is hard to imagine a world without them,” Dalman added.
Later, the banner unfurled in honour of Bamba was moved to the top of the Ninian Stand, next to the banners commemorating fellow legends Peter Wittingham and Phil Dwyer.
Despite the performance on the pitch being another one to forget for Cardiff fans, the tribute from the club and the unity of both sets of fans showed how football can unite to pay respects to those who leave the arena too soon.
Sol Bamba tribute #Bluebirds & #LUFC fans standing and applauding their hero. pic.twitter.com/0CAx7kp5y9
— Laurence Mora (@Mora_sport) September 21, 2024