Newport County winger Yahya Bamba is looking forward to his first league game at Rodney Parade as County prepare to welcome Rochdale for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two opener.
Bamba made an instant impact on his competitive debut at AFC Wimbledon last weekend, scoring a spectacular goal as County pushed the League One side all the way before eventually losing on penalties.
“I really enjoyed it. Obviously, it would have been even better if we’d got the win, but that’s football. It went to penalties and unfortunately we didn’t get the result, so we just have to take it on the chin.
“On a personal level, I was really happy to get my first goal.”
The winger has quickly settled into life at Newport County and has enjoyed working under manager Hayden Mullins.
“I’m really enjoying my time here. The boys, the staff, everyone has been really welcoming and we’re all getting on really well.
“We’re just eager for the season to get started and to show everyone what this team is about.”
Bamba says Mullins has encouraged him to play to his strengths, with his pace and directness key parts of his game.
“The gaffer wants me to be direct, use my pace, get in behind and cause problems for defenders.
“That’s the way I’ve always played football and it’s something I really enjoy. I just want to keep doing that and helping the team.”
The winger is particularly excited about playing in front of the Newport County supporters at Rodney Parade for the first time in a competitive fixture.
“I’m really excited. It’s my first home league game and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Rodney Parade.
“Hopefully we can get the three points and give the supporters something to celebrate.”
Bamba has set his sights on helping County climb the League Two table but says he does not put specific targets on his goals and assists.
“I want to help the club finish as high up the league as possible and contribute with goals and assists.
“I don’t really set myself individual targets. I just take each game as it comes, try to perform and hopefully the goals and assists will follow.”
After his goal against Wimbledon, Bamba is hoping to continue providing moments for the supporters.
“We’ve been doing a little shooting competition every Friday in training, and that’s roughly the sort of distance we’ve been shooting from.
“So when I got the ball from Shaq, it was in the back of my mind that I should go for it. Thankfully, it went in and I was really happy.”
Bamba believes County have already shown they can compete with strong opposition and is confident the squad can surprise teams in League Two.
“Every game in this league is going to be difficult, but I have a lot of belief in the boys, our structure and the way we press.
“We don’t give teams much time on the ball. We showed that in pre-season, and I think teams are going to find it difficult to play against us.
“We just have to make sure that when the chances come, we take them and put the ball in the back of the net.”
Bamba believes County will continue to improve as the season progresses.
“I feel like we’re getting stronger with every game. The more we play together, the more confident we’ll become and the better we’ll understand each other.
“I genuinely believe we can surprise a few teams this season. Hopefully we can stay fit, keep working hard and play with that belief throughout the season.”
