In an interview with Ebenezer Bajela, Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole shares his excitement about playing in the CAF Champions League next season, his aspirations for the Super Eagles, the progress of the Nigerian League, and more.
Reflecting on Remo’s success last season, Bankole credits the entire team for their collective effort, emphasizing that football is a team sport. Personally, he is thrilled to have the opportunity to play in the Champions League after the team’s previous Confederation Cup experience.
With 11 clean sheets last season, Bankole acknowledges the role of his teammates in achieving this feat. He attributes his success to the support of his defenders and the coaching staff, highlighting the impact of training and the guidance of the goalkeeper trainer.
Regarding his nomination for the Player of the Season award alongside Obioma and Duru, Bankole acknowledges the focus on outfield players in such awards but remains hopeful about his chances. He recognizes the exceptional performances of his fellow nominees and believes that goalkeepers are often overlooked in these accolades.
The mood in the camp is described as extremely joyful and proud, knowing that Remo will be competing in the Champions League next season. Bankole expresses his happiness, having watched the tournament on television and now having the opportunity to participate.
Bankole reveals that he celebrated the qualification for the Champions League by attending a performance by his musician brother. The achievement brought them together in celebration.
The viral video showing chairman Kunle Soname presenting N25m to the team came as a surprise to everyone. Bankole explains that Soname had not mentioned any reward throughout the season, and the announcement caught them off guard. It is believed that Soname’s spontaneous gesture stemmed from his own excitement and happiness for the team’s accomplishment.Putting Trust in Young Goalkeepers: Bankole’s Journey at Remo Stars
Handing over the goalposts to a young goalkeeper can be a daunting task, but Remo Stars showed faith in Kayode Bankole, making him their first-choice goalkeeper at the age of 19. In an interview, Bankole discusses the challenges and experiences he has faced as a young player.
Remo Stars has a philosophy of nurturing young talent, prioritizing potential and hard work over age and experience. Bankole credits the coaches for believing in him and providing him with the opportunity to prove himself.
Reflecting on his debut, Bankole admits to feeling a bit scared when he was unexpectedly chosen to play in the Premier League. The nerves quickly faded away once he stepped onto the pitch, and the team emerged victorious with a clean sheet. From that moment, Bankole gained confidence and realized that playing in the Premier League was not as daunting as he had initially thought.
When asked about his best game of the season, Bankole highlights the match against Plateau United at their home ground. He made crucial saves that denied the opponents the opportunity to score, contributing to the team’s success on that day.
In a previous season, Bankole kept a remarkable eight clean sheets in a row. Although conceding a goal ended that impressive streak, Bankole maintains a team-first mentality and focuses on winning rather than personal records. While initially feeling disappointed about conceding, he quickly overcame it and remained focused on the team’s objectives.
Reflecting on the 2022/23 NPFL season, Bankole expresses satisfaction with the improvements in officiating and organization compared to the previous season. He believes that if things continue to progress in this manner, the Nigerian League will continue to improve.
Discussing the trend of Nigerian players opting for lesser-known leagues, Bankole emphasizes the importance of prioritizing players’ welfare. While leagues like those in Cyprus and Uzbekistan may not be as popular, they often offer better financial opportunities. Bankole highlights the limited time span of a player’s career and the need to secure their future beyond football.
