Hassane Bandé, the Burkina Faso international, recently shared insights into the difficult phase of his career during his time at Ajax Amsterdam. In a candid interview, Bandé revealed the hurdles he faced, including injuries and setbacks, despite his initial promise at the Dutch club.
Upon his arrival at Ajax, Bandé, who was signed for a significant fee of around 10 million euros, attracted considerable attention.
However, his debut was marred by a fractured ankle ligament, sidelining him for nearly two years due to a series of surgeries.
Reflecting on this period, Bandé expressed the emotional toll of being unable to play for such an extended duration, stating, “Being a player and staying away from the field for 2 years is not easy.”
During his recovery, Bandé found himself playing for the reserve team, where he realized his diminished standing within the club. Despite his desire to go on loan to regain form and match fitness, Bandé encountered resistance from the club’s sporting director.
Explaining the situation, Bandé highlighted the club’s perspective, stating, “At Ajax, when you go on loan, they no longer calculate you, they count less on you.”
Subsequently, Bandé was loaned to FC Thun, where he experienced a resurgence, contributing to the team’s third-place finish with notable performances.
Following his loan spell, Bandé joined NK Istra 1961, where he enjoyed regular playing time and rediscovered his scoring touch, netting crucial goals during his two-season stint.
Despite the challenges he faced at Ajax, Bandé’s resilience and determination allowed him to revive his career and achieve success elsewhere.
Notable among his achievements were his contributions to clubs like Amiens during the 2022-2023 season and HJK Helsinki.
Bandé’s journey serves as a testament to his perseverance and ability to overcome adversity, embodying the resilience often required in the competitive world of professional football.
