KOZHIKODE: The massive Nepal earthquake of 2015 killed over 9,000 people, injured another 22,000 and left that country in ruins. A young Ivorian by the name of Kamo Bayi Stephane was firsthand witness to the calamity and the disaster would change the teenager's life forever.
"I was there, I felt the tremors and I saw the misery of the people which had a profound impact on me," said Kamo. But the natural disaster also had an effect on his career in football -- one that took him to the mountainous terrains of Nepal from Cote d'Ivoire via Nigeria.
Because that was when Kamo, with the domestic football season suspended in Nepal due to the earthquake, decided to make the switch to India. The forward arrived in Kolkata, from Nepal's Three Star Club, where he signed for George Telegraph SC. And that was just the beginning of an eventful journey in India.
After enjoying a prolific season in Kolkata, Kamo moved to Goa with Salgaocar SC and then to Aizawl FC were he played a crucial role in the Mizoram club's tryst with history scoring seven goals as they cruised to the national title. After spending a season in the Calcutta Football League with Mohun Bagan AC, Kamo is now in Kerala with I-League entrants Gokulam Kerala FC.
"The atmosphere we had in Kerala for the first home game was fantastic. The crowd cheers us on and we want to fight for them and win matches for them," said Kamo, who scored Gokulam's first ever I-League goal in the 1-1 draw against Chennai City FC here earlier this week.
"I have been lucky enough to be part of a great Aizawl side last year and I am sure that if all players in Gokulam perform to their potential, we can do a lot in this competition," said the 21-year-old striker on the eve of their game against fellow debutants Neroca FC from Manipur.
Kamo, whose father is an electrician, grew up in the city of Abidjan. At the age of 15, he moved to Nigeria with his brother and joined the youth side of Akwa Starlets and was soon promoted to their senior side. Kamo would have loved to move to a European club like his idol Didier Drogba, who also is from his hometown, but preferred the better financial option which was Nepal to support his family back in the Ivory Coast.
"He is a big man back in my home and I admire the way he plays football. I used to watch him play for Chelsea while I was growing up and used to copy his style of play. Maybe one day, I can follow in his footsteps and play in Europe," said the young Kamo.