Siaka Kone commits to CAPERS men's soccer program
By IAIN KING
SIAKA KONE lives and breathes soccer.
When we speak to reflect on his decision to commit to the CBU CAPERS Men's program it's the afternoon after the night before for the 17-year-old winger.
His Queen's Park Rangers Academy have just lost in extra-time to Plymouth Argyle and their Youth Cup dream is over for the season.
The disappointment is etched on a face more suited to his beaming smile.
He sighs: "Every defeat like that hurts, I felt I played well but in the end you're still out you know?
"Still I know I have a lot to look forward to and that picked me up this morning, knowing I will be coming to Canada in August and starting a new adventure."
So why did the exciting attacker choose the CAPERS?
The answer lies in the attention to detail that CBU Head Coach Deano Morley exhibits in his recruitment process.
Siaka reveals: "The way that I was approached at first was what caught me.
"Coach Deano did a very detailed explanation about what he likes about me as a player.
"I knew that he had really looked at my clips, he had studied every trick and cross that I put in when I was driving down the wing.
"I loved that, then I looked into your facilities as well. The pitch, the Dome, how close it all is to the residence where I will live. It's a really professional set-up."
CAPERS Coach Morley is thrilled to unveil Siaka as the first capture of a major program rebuild.
The experienced Englishman has always cherished forwards with speed and a bag of tricks on the ball. Those who can truly entertain the fans.
Deano reasons: "In line with Cape Breton University's vision, "Rooted in Cape Breton, Connected to the World," my ambition is to bring talented and dedicated young men together from across Canada and around the globe to build a team united by one vision and one goal: to represent Cape Breton with pride and professionalism while competing to be the top men's soccer program in North America.
"That level of ambition drives our recruitment process as we search for young men who possess both the hunger and the mindset to match it.
"From my very first conversation with Siaka, I knew we had found someone who fitted that profile.
"Siaka brings an infectious energy and a beaming smile to everything he does. He is humble, grounded, and team-first despite already achieving success at a high level. Quite simply, he is the type of person you want in your dressing room."
So that's the person, what about the player?
"As a footballer, he is exciting," smiles Coach Morley.
"I have always valued wingers who want to drive at defenders, commit people one-on-one, and deliver quality in the final third.
"I would be lying if I didn't say Siaka also reminds me of former CAPERS Cory Bent and Shayne Hollis who were relentless wide players who were constant threats.
"What really stood out, however, was Siaka's work ethic and defensive commitment. He is not a one-way player; he works tirelessly for his team.
"Siaka has a very high ceiling in the game, and I believe he will do extremely well in Canada. He is dynamic, quick and technically excellent. More importantly, he is deeply committed to his education and to making a positive impact off the field.
"I know he will be a tremendous asset to the Cape Breton community through his involvement in the CAPERS Academy and our broader community engagement initiatives.
"I am incredibly proud to announce Siaka as our first men's soccer recruit in this class, I truly cannot wait to begin working with him."
Londoner Siaka has been dedicated to the game since the age of six when he started out in the Academy set-up of a French rooted franchise called Sporting Duet.
They feed players into the ranks of Ligue 1 high-flyers RC Lens and by the time he was a teenager his talents began to turn the heads of the scouts.
At 16 Siaka was taken into the QPR Academy and he stresses: "I have learned so much over the last two years here in the Academy.
"I've been on trial in the National League at the likes of Sutton United in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
"The time comes in when you think of the best step for you and Deano sent me the video on CBU winning Nationals in 2023.
"Oh my days! The fans, everything. I thought it would be great to be a part of that."
Siaka will be studying Business Administration when he arrives on the island in August.
Although his 18th birthday will have come and gone by the first day of pre-season he knows he is facing a major change in his life.
Mum Sylvie is on our Zoom call and vows to teach him more recipes than the porridge, plantains, chicken and rice he claims to be an expert at!
Siaka smiles: "That's on the list for sure, improving my cooking skills.
"Also I know I am going there to study first and play too but I can't wait to get started.
"What can the CAPERS fans expect? I feel that I am an explosive player, so if I'm doing 1v1s, I approach my player slowly. Then like, I'll change my pace quickly and burst past them.
"If you like watching Jeremy Doku at Manchester City then that's my play style.
"I'm hoping to reach the Canadian Premier League. That's my personal goal and for CAPERS? To keep them winning titles because I know that's what the program is about."