Atlanta Silverbacks resign Sierra Leone forward Shaka Bangura for upcoming season
Just days after his 29th birthday, Sierra Leonean forward Shaka Bangura was announced by the Atlanta Silverbacks. Bangura appeared in six matches – starting five – with Atlanta in 2014. Bangura joins Jaime Chavez and Matt Horth to construct a three-headed strike force for 2015.
“Shaka is a terrific addition that adds natural pace and the ability to put real fear into defenders by getting into aggressive areas beyond the back four,” Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith said. “He has a genuine desire and hunger that is reflected in how he trains and how he affects players around him.
“He is another creative addition that I’m sure the fans will be excited to see in a Silverbacks shirt again this coming season.”
Bangura offers a wealth of football experience across the globe, boasting a resume featuring runs in the Indonesia Super League, Cypriot First Division, Thai Premier League and U.S. Soccer’s third-tier USL.
Before representing Atlanta, he most recently played with PS Barito Putera in the Indonesia Super League, scoring four goals with four assists. In 2013, he moved to the Thai Premier League where he scored 12 goals in all competitions for Samut Songkhram FC a year after scoring once and adding four assists in the Cypriot First Division with Anagennisi Deryneia.
Bangura played at Montreat College in North Carolina, scoring 59 goals with 31 assists en route the Appalachian Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and two AAC Player of the Year honors. He signed his first professional contract out of college in 2010, becoming a member of the Puerto Rico Islanders in the NASL. A year later he moved to the USL’s Richmond Kickers, where he netted eight goals and eight assists.
He stated, “I’m very happy to resign with the Silverbacks, It’s always good to play at home especially in front of my family and friends.” Bangura won the NASL (US division 2) Championship with the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2010 is looking forward to achieve the same goal and more this year. “I am looking forward to scoring a lot of goals and helping the team win the Championship this year,” he said. Bangura who recently celebrated his 29th birthday concluded that his signing was the best birthday present anyone could ask for.
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