Exclusive: Daouda Amadou speaks after Colorado Rapids contract extension

2019 Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Amadou Daouda will stay in Colorado for two more seasons after a contract extension.

Colorado Rapids midfeilder, Daouda Amadou is one of the fastest rising MLS stars, in a league that has witnessed a long line of Cameroonian success stories like: Oyongo Bitolo, Nohou Tolo, Olivier Mbaizo, Brian Anunga and Jeremy Ebobise amongst others.

Daouda was rewarded by the Rapids franchise with a two-year contract, testament to his impressive second season at the club, dubbed a success, having scored one goal and dished out two assists in 23 matches, while helping Rapids 2 to a spot in the Western Conference Final.

Daouda welcomed the news with so much joy and it was palpable when sportglitz.com went visiting.

You have just extended your contract with Colorado Rapids, how do you feel?

I am happy to continue my progress with Colorado Rapids. My contract was extended for two years, and the team knows what I bring to the table, and what they can help me improve on.

What will you attribute your steady progress at Colorado Rapids to; hard work or natural talent?

For me, I’ll attribute my growth at Rapids to hard work rather than natural talent. My play style has greatly improved. How I played with the U17 Lions is not the same way I play with the Rapids. I’ve learned and understood a lot of things my position needs.

What next for Daouda Amadou after a contract extension

The first thing I will like to do, is to cement my place with the senior team. Last season, I made some match day squads, but this time around, I’ll work my socks off to get some game time.

I need to repay the faith the team has in me. I have both MLS and Rapids 2 contracts which permits me to play with either sides.

If I can play all my life with the Rapids, I have no problem. I wish to become a cult hero at the club.

When I arrived at the club, I was a little naive but I was taken in and very well treated. I need to keep my team at a top level.

What is your relationship with the gaffer, Brian Crookham?

I have a very good relationship with Mr. Brian. We talk all the time, and when I tell him about my problems encountered on the field, he tries to help in his own way.

He makes me believe that one day I could go ahead to play top competitions like the CONCACAF with Colorado Rapids.

Who is your favorite player at the club?

My favorite player is Cole Bassett. He is very intelligent and I enjoy his game style. I learn a lot from him, as he too is young!

What were the difficulties you faced when you moved out of Cameroon to Europe, and later, the US?

The first difficulty I had was the language barrier in the Czech republic. When I arrived Vyškov, the coach told me that if I wished to play with the team, I’ll have to speak Czech.

I tried communicating in English, but the players couldn’t get me.

The second problem I faced was the climate change and biting cold in Europe.

In the US, I didn’t have any issues. The Czech republic had already prepared me for the cold weather.

I just asked coach Brian Crookham to permit me see the play style of my teammates so I could adapt before getting fielded in the team.

I don’t have major issues with food because when I’m playing, there’s no luxury of eating everything. Off season I can eat different delicacies, but when I’m working during the season, my options are limited. I just get some pasta, rice and chicken most times.

What’s the way forward with your international career, having played at every junior category?

The national team for me is something special. If I am here, it is the national team that offered me that platform. I played with the U15s, U17s and the U20s. With the U17s I won the AFCON and went further to play the World Cup. With the U20s I equally played the AFCON.

I cannot play with another national team, if its not Cameroon. I need to give back what this country has given me.

Amadou is still in Cameroon, waiting for a clearance to move to the US, where he will join his teammates – with the campaign already in full flow.