Cardiff City: Do it for Sol Bamba, Joe Ralls urges against Leeds

Bluebirds midfielder hoping for another famous victory as they target play-off finish

Ralls has penned a heartfelt tribute to Sol Bamba as Cardiff City prepare to welcome Leeds United to the Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday night (April 27, 2022).

The Bluebirds are chasing a fifth win in six matches when they face Jesse Marsch's promotion-chasing side in the Welsh capital.

Victory would keep their play-off hopes alive and Ralls is hoping the Cardiff faithful will turn up the volume in a bid to inspire them to victory.

"There may be thousands of Leeds fans here, but it’s our stadium and I’m sure, under the lights, the Cardiff City fans can make as much noise as they do,” Ralls wrote in his matchday programme notes.

"So, please, get behind the team and make some noise for us. We can win this game if we all stick together and make this a fortress, like it was last season.”

Ralls also offered a heartfelt tribute to Bamba, who recently announced his retirement from the game following a successful battle with cancer.

"I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Sol. What a man

It’s been an honour to play alongside him, and I’m sure the fans will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.”

Bamba made over 150 appearances for Cardiff after joining the Bluebirds in 2016 and was a key member of the side which won the Championship title in 2018.

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2021, but after undergoing treatment, he returned to training with Cardiff in March 2022.

However, after being given the all-clear from cancer, Bamba decided to retire from the game, saying his body "couldn't keep up" with the demands of professional football.

"Sol is a special person and a true warrior. He has shown incredible strength and determination in his battle against cancer,” Ralls added.

"He is an inspiration to us all and we are proud to have him as a part of our team." Cardiff City are currently 18th in the Championship table, nine points adrift of the top six with five games remaining.

However, Ralls believes the Bluebirds can still reach the play-offs if they can maintain their recent form.

"We have shown in recent weeks that we are a good team and we are capable of beating anyone in this division,” Ralls said.

"We know it will be a tough game against Leeds, but we are confident that we can get the win and keep our play-off hopes alive.”