Cape Town City bring in some French flair with striker Amadou Soukouna

Amadou Soukouna was all smiles at his first Cape Town City training session at Hartleyvale yesterday. Photo: BackpagePix

Amadou Soukouna was all smiles at his first Cape Town City training session at Hartleyvale yesterday. Photo: BackpagePix

Published Aug 23, 2024

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Yesterday morning, Cape Town City FC could not contain their excitement at the arrival of Amadou Soukouna in the Mother City and duly declared: “The south of France to Cape Town, Amadou Soukouna is a Citizen!”

City used their X account to officially announce the signing of the 32-year-old Soukouna, the former French youth international.

A few days ago, City sold their star striker, Bafana Bafana’s Khanyisa Mayo, to the crack Algerian side CR Belouizdad – and City regard Soukouna as a suitable replacement.

Soukouna, who was born in Paris, is no stranger to South African footy fans.

In 2021, he joined Maritzburg City and remained with the club for two seasons.

During that period, he played 46 games for the ‘Team of Choice’ and scored 11 goals. Afterwards, he joined Bangkok United FC in Thailand.

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 22, 2024

During his senior career, which started in 2010, the well-travelled Soukouna has also played in France, Bulgaria and Israel.

City hopes to secure Soukouna’s work permit in time for Tuesday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates in Cape Town.

Soukouna is the 10th new City signing, with the Cape outfit having already unveiled Kamohelo Mokotjo from Sekhukhune United, Angolan midfielder Carlinhos, Haashim Domingo from Raja Casablanca in Morocco, Kayden Francis from Chippa United, Fortune Makaringe from Orlando Pirates, Namibian international Prince Tjiueza, goalkeeper Elson Sithole from Magesi FC, defender Sibusiso Ziba from JDR Stars and youngster Lefa Aphane from Tzaneen United.

The 34-year-old Kermit Erasmus, a free agent after leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of last season, is also on the club’s radar after City boss John Comitis contacted the player recently.

Comitis said that the final decision would be made by coach Eric Tinkler.

But the arrival of French striker Soukouna in the Mother City may throw a spanner in the works of an Erasmus deal.