VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com
Wednesday, February 28, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to welcome Sierra Leone native and former USL PRO Champion Sallieu Bundu to the 2013 team, pending USSF approval. Bundu brings an immense presence to the field with his athleticism and experience. VSI Tampa Bay FC will look to capitalize on Bundu’s goal scoring abilities this inaugural season in the USL PRO.
“To bring another USL PRO 2012 winner into the roster for our debut season is great news for the club," said Head Coach Matt Weston. "Attracting players of Bundu’s pedigree is vitally important for us in year one and his presence on and off the field will be a great asset to our team. Sal is a big, strong physical number nine, exactly what I was looking for. He has a great first touch, can bring people into play and with the system we play can provide the physical presence up top which is needed. Most importantly he is a great person, a true gentlemen and that’s what we require of every player we sign to this club.”
Bundu originally signed with the Cleveland City Stars after Head Coach Martin Rennie discovered Bundu in a trial. Sallieu would go on and make the move to the Carolina Railhawks with Rennie, who is now coaching in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Bundu scored 10 goals in 30 appearances for the Railhawks, before going on loan to the Charlotte Eagles in 2011. Bundu would continue to prove himself as a goalscorer after scoring seven goals in 22 appearances with the Charlotte Eagles.
Following his achievements with the Charlotte Eagles Bundu found his way to the Charleston Battery in 2012. Bundu continued to solidify himself as one of the top forwards in the league as he would go on to be a part of the 2012 USL PRO-winning Battery team before being loaned out to Ravan Baku.
“After speaking with Head Coach Matt Weston, and the Director, I knew that Tampa would be the place for me," Bundu said. "I spoke with many of the already signed players and knew that I would fit into the team and have another great opportunity to win. I am thrilled to be a part of VSI Tampa Bay FC.”
“It’s great to sign an experienced and proven forward in Sallieu Bundu," said VSI Director of Soccer, Clay Roberts. "He is one of the top forwards in our league because of his ability to hold possession in the buildup as a target, but then pose a huge threat in front of goal. With our style of play, Sal completes a piece of the puzzle that we have been searching for. His immediate impact into the team has already been felt upon his arrival into camp this week. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, and will be a great leader for our younger players.”
With such a storied career, Bundu now makes Tampa his home. He joins former teammates and competitors to make up the 2013 VSI Tampa Bay FC team.
“Sal immediately brings a load of experience to the team," said Kyle Hoffer, who also comes to VSI Tampa Bay FC from the Battery. "It’s great to sign another teammate from the championship team from last year. We had a great season together and I would expect the same this year in Tampa. Sallieu will be great for our young forwards to learn from as they make their transition into the pros.”
Tickets for VSI Tampa Bay FC’s 2013 inaugural season in the USL PRO are available on our website at www.vsi-fc.com.