BREAKING: Silverbacks Sign Forward Shaka Bangura

Published on February 12, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - 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 strikeforce 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.

The Silverbacks open the NASL Spring Season on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The club is offering a special Home Opener Gift Pack, which includes four general admission tickets for only $48 (savings of $32 from box office price) or four reserved tickets for only $68 (savings of $52 from the box office price). To purchase tickets, call the Silverbacks Ticket Office at 404-969-4900.

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 12, 2015


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