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Sullay Kaikai

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Sullay Kaikai
Personal information
Full name Sulaiman Borbor Kaikai[1]
Date of birth (1995-08-26) 26 August 1995 (age 29)[2]
Place of birth Southwark, London, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.82 m)[2]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Cambridge United
Number 11
Youth career
2010–2013 Crystal Palace
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2019 Crystal Palace 3 (0)
2014 → Crawley Town (loan) 5 (0)
2014–2015 → Cambridge United (loan) 25 (5)
2015 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 14 (5)
2016 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 12 (7)
2016–2017 → Brentford (loan) 18 (3)
2018 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 14 (0)
2019 NAC Breda 6 (0)
2019–2021 Blackpool 58 (11)
2021–2023 Wycombe Wanderers 24 (2)
2023 Milton Keynes Dons 14 (2)
2023– Cambridge United 52 (6)
International career‡
2021– Sierra Leone 16 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:08, 2 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 11:16, 28 September 2024 (UTC)

Sulaiman Borbor "Sullay" Kaikai (born 26 August 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL League One club Cambridge United. Born in England, he represents the Sierra Leone national football team.

A youth product of Crystal Palace, he made his senior debut on loan at Crawley Town in 2014, and later that year scored on his Palace debut. He was loaned to Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town, Brentford and Charlton Athletic. After eleven total appearances for Palace, he was signed by NAC Breda in January 2019 and moved to Blackpool that July.

Club career

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Crystal Palace

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Youth

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Kaikai started his career at Crystal Palace when he was fifteen.[3] In May 2013, his goal against Liverpool the previous August won the League Football Education Goal of the Season award.[4]

2013–14: Crawley (loan)

[edit]

On 7 February 2014, Kaikai joined League One side Crawley Town on an initial one-month loan along with Hiram Boateng.[5] He made his senior debut on 25 February when he came on as a substitute for Andy Drury in the 33rd minute of a 1–1 draw at Swindon Town.[6] On 7 March, he extended his loan with Crawley until 5 April.[7] After making five appearances for the club, two being starts, Kaikai returned to his parent club upon expiry of his loan spell.[8]

2014–15: Debut and Cambridge (loan)

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On 24 September 2014, Kaikai made his Crystal Palace debut in the third round of the League Cup, replacing Jonathan Williams in the 80th minute of the match against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park. He equalised in added time to send the game into extra time, which the Eagles lost 2–3.[9][10]

On 27 November 2014, Kaikai joined League Two club Cambridge United, on loan until 3 January 2015.[11] Two days later, Kaikai made his debut for the club, assisting Liam Hughes in a 2–1 win over AFC Wimbledon at the Kingsmeadow Stadium.[12] Kaikai scored his first goal of his loan on 16 December in the FA Cup second round replay, the only goal of a win at Mansfield Town.[13] He signed his first professional contract with Palace on 29 December 2014.[14]

On 16 January 2015, Kaikai's loan at Cambridge was extended until the end of the season.[15] The next day, he scored his first league goal, in a 4–0 win over Newport County at the Abbey Stadium.[16] Kaikai scored a brace on 18 April, in a 3–1 home win over Mansfield.[17] He returned to Palace in the first week of May.[18] He won Palace's Vice-President's Young Player or the Year Award, and the Development Player of the Year Award on 13 May.[19] Ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool three days later, Kaikai was among several youngsters to make a trip, but was not included either in the starting line-up or substitution bench.[20]

2015–16: League debut and Shrewsbury (loan)

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The following season, on 17 September 2015, Kaikai joined League One side Shrewsbury Town on a four-month loan deal.[21] He made his debut as a 67th-minute substitute for Mat Sadler in a 1–0 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra two days later,[22] and got his first goals for the club in a home victory against Colchester United on 10 October, scoring twice to put his team 3–2 and then eventually 4–2 ahead after they had trailed by two goals at half time.[23] After scoring in subsequent matches against Scunthorpe United and Bury, giving him four goals in five appearances, he won the PFA Fans Player of the Month award for October 2015 for League One.[24]

Kaikai was recalled to cover for injuries at his parent club on 23 December,[25] rejoining Shrewsbury for a further loan deal until the end of the season in March 2016.[26] He scored four times in the first four games of his second loan, including two first-half strikes in a 2–1 draw at Bury on 19 March which earned him a place in The Football League's Team of the Week.[27] He finished the season as Shrewsbury's top scorer, with 12 goals, before being recalled again by his parent club on 3 May.[28]

Kaikai made his Premier League debut on 15 May in the last game of the season, replacing Jordon Mutch at half time in a 4–1 loss at Southampton. He took the corner kick from which Jason Puncheon scored the Eagles' goal.[29] He was handed the number 25 shirt to wear for the 2016–17 season, switching from his previous squad number 43.[30]

2016–17: Brentford (loan)

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On deadline day, 31 August 2016, Kaikai joined Brentford on a season-long loan and was given the number 25 shirt.[31] He made his debut against Palace's fierce rivals Brighton & Hove Albion replacing Lewis Macleod in the 80th minute of a 2–0 away victory on 10 September.[32] Four days later he provided an 88th-minute assist for John Egan as Brentford drew 1–1 with Aston Villa.[33] Kaikai scored his first goal for the Bees in a 3–1 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 24 September.[34] He scored both of Brentford's goals a 2–2 draw with Cardiff City on Boxing Day, after coming on as a second-half substitute,[35] before being recalled by Crystal Palace on 2 January 2017.[36]

2017–18: Charlton (loan)

[edit]

On 26 January 2018, following four appearances for Palace in the first half of the season, Kaikai moved across South London to join Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.[37] He made his league debut for them on 3 February in a 3–2 loss against Oxford United as a 69th-minute substitute for Stephy Mavididi.[38]

NAC Breda

[edit]

On 21 January 2019, Kaikai joined Dutch club NAC Breda on a permanent transfer.[39] He made his Eredivisie debut four days later, as a 65th-minute substitute for Giovanni Korte in a 1–1 home draw with ADO Den Haag.[40] He made six appearances in the Netherlands, all but one from the bench.[41]

Blackpool

[edit]

In July 2019, Kaikai terminated his contract with Breda and signed for League One side Blackpool on an initial two-year contract with an option of a further year.[42] He was given a starting debut in their 2–0 victory over Bristol Rovers at Bloomfield Road on 3 August,[43] and his first goal in a 2–2 draw away at Gillingham 17 days later.[44] It was his first goal since 26 December 2016, when he scored both of Brentford's goals in a home draw with Cardiff City in the Championship.[35]

Wycombe Wanderers

[edit]

On 15 July 2021, Kaikai joined League One side Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.[45]

Milton Keynes Dons

[edit]

On 26 January 2023, Kaikai joined Milton Keynes Dons on a free transfer until the end of the season.[46] After making 14 appearances and scoring 2 goals, and despite the offer of a new contract, Kaikai was one of nine players released by Milton Keynes Dons following their relegation to EFL League Two.[47]

Cambridge United

[edit]

On 24 July 2023, Kaikai returned to League One, joining Cambridge United on a one-year deal.[48]

International career

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On 15 June 2021, Kaikai made his debut for Sierra Leone in a 1–0 victory over Benin in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match.[49] In December 2021, he was named in the Sierra Leone squad for the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as the nation prepared for their first appearance at the competition since 1996.[50]

Personal life

[edit]

Kaikai was born in the London Borough of Southwark to parents hailing from Sierra Leone.[51][52]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 30 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Crystal Palace 2013–14[53] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2014–15[54] Premier League 0 0 — 1 1 — 1 1
2015–16[55] Premier League 1 0 — 0 0 — 1 0
2016–17[56] Premier League 1 0 2 0 — — 3 0
2017–18[38] Premier League 1 0 1 0 2 0 — 4 0
2018–19[57] Premier League 0 0 0 0 2 0 — 2 0
Total 3 0 3 0 5 1 0 0 11 1
Crawley Town (loan) 2013–14[53] League One 5 0 — — — 5 0
Cambridge United (loan) 2014–15[54] League Two 25 5 5 1 — — 30 6
Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2015–16[55] League One 26 12 2 0 — 1[a] 0 29 12
Brentford (loan) 2016–17[56] Championship 18 3 — — — 18 3
Charlton Athletic (loan) 2017–18[38] League One 14 0 — — 1[b] 0 15 0
NAC Breda 2018–19[57] Eredivisie 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Blackpool 2019–20[58] League One 22 4 2 1 1 0 3[c] 1 28 6
2020–21[59] League One 36 7 3 0 1 0 0 0 40 7
Total 58 11 5 1 2 0 3 1 68 13
Wycombe Wanderers 2021–22[60] League One 17 2 1 0 3 0 1[d] 0 22 2
2022–23[61] League One 7 0 1 0 0 0 2[d] 0 10 0
Total 24 2 2 0 3 0 3 0 32 2
Milton Keynes Dons 2022–23[61] League One 14 2 — — — 14 2
Cambridge United 2023–24[62] League One 39 3 3 1 0 0 1[d] 0 43 4
2024–25[63] League One 13 3 2 0 1 0 1[d] 0 17 3
Total 52 6 5 1 1 0 2 0 60 7
Career total 244 41 22 3 11 1 10 2 287 46
  1. ^ One appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ One appearance in the League One play-offs
  3. ^ Three appearances in EFL Trophy
  4. ^ a b c d Appearances in EFL Trophy

International goals

[edit]
Scores and results list Sierra Leone's goal tally first.[64]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 6 October 2021 Stade El Abdi, El Jadida, Morocco  South Sudan 1–0 1–1 Friendly

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Blackpool" (PDF). English Football League. p. 9. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Sullay Kaikai". 11v11. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  3. ^ "Premier League: Tony Pulis backing teenager Sullay Kaikai to make the grade". Sky Sports. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Kaikai Wins Goal of the Season Award". Crystal Palace F.C. 12 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Crawley: Crystal Palace duo Boateng and Kaikai join on loan". BBC News. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Swindon Town 1–1 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  7. ^ "Palace duo extend stay". Crawley Town FC. 7 March 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014.
  8. ^ "Conns: Time to roll our sleeves up". Crawley Town F.C. 7 April 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  9. ^ "Warnock Makes 11 Changes For Toon Tie". Crystal Palace F.C. 24 September 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Report: Crystal Palace 2–3 Newcastle United (AET)". 24 September 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014.
  11. ^ "Kaikai Joins Cambridge on Loan". Crystal Palace F.C. 27 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  12. ^ "Wimbledon 1 – 2 Cambridge United". BBC Sport. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  13. ^ "Mansfield Town 0 – 1 Cambridge United". BBC Sport. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  14. ^ "Gray and Kaikai Sign Professional Deals". Crystal Palace F.C. 24 December 2012. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  15. ^ "Kaikai Extends Cambridge Stay". Crystal Palace Official Website. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  16. ^ "Cambridge United 4 – 0 Newport County". BBC Sport. 17 January 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  17. ^ "Cambridge United 3–1 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Kaikai Happy To Be Back". cpfc.co.uk. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  19. ^ "Kaikai Picks Up Development Acolade [sic]". Crystal Palace F.C. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  20. ^ "Football – No concerns for Pardew's Eagles". Yahoo! Eurosport. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  21. ^ "Sullay Kaikai: Shrewsbury Town sign Crystal Palace midfielder". BBC Sport. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  22. ^ "Shrewsbury 0 Crewe 1". BBC Sport. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  23. ^ "Shrewsbury 4 Colchester 2". BBC Sport. 10 October 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  24. ^ "Alexis Sanchez claims PFA Fans' Player of the Month as winners announced". Sky Sports. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  25. ^ "Sullay Kaikai recalled". Shrewsweb. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  26. ^ "Sullay returns". Shrewsweb. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  27. ^ "Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week". The Football League. 21 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  28. ^ "Sullay Returns". Shrewsweb. 3 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  29. ^ "Report: Southampton 4–1 Crystal Palace". Crystal Palace F.C. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  30. ^ "Sullay Kaikai: Crystal Palace Player Profile". www.cpfc.co.uk. Crystal Palace F.C. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  31. ^ "Sullay Kaikai joins Brentford from Crystal Palace". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Brentford F.C. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  32. ^ "Brighton 0–2 Brentford". BBC Sport. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  33. ^ "Aston Villa 1–1 Brentford". BBC Sport. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  34. ^ "Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–1 Brentford". BBC Sport. 24 September 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  35. ^ a b Brentford 2–2 Cardiff City - BBC Sport, 26 December 2016
  36. ^ "Sullay Kaikai returns to Crystal Palace". Brentford F.C. 2 January 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  37. ^ "Sullay Kaikai Moves On Loan To Charlton". cpfc.co.uk. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  38. ^ a b c "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  39. ^ "Sullay Kaikai Joins NAC Breda". Crystal Palace F.C. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  40. ^ "Kaikai makes Eredivisie debut as NAC Breda snatch draw". Football Sierra Leone. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  41. ^ Potter, Jacob (2 July 2019). "Blackpool register interest in signing 23 y/o striker". Football League World. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  42. ^ "Sullay Kaikai: Blackpool sign ex-Crystal Palace winger after NAC Breda exit". BBC. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  43. ^ Blackpool 2–0 Bristol Rovers - BBC Sport, 3 August 2019
  44. ^ Gillingham 2-2 Blackpool - BBC Sport, 20 August 2019
  45. ^ "Sullay signs!". Wycombe Wanderers F.C. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  46. ^ "Sullay Kaikai: MK Dons sign Wycombe Wanderers winger". BBC. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  47. ^ "Retained list". Milton Keynes Dons. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  48. ^ "Kaikai joins U's ranks". www.cambridgeunited.com. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  49. ^ "Sierra Leone vs. Benin (1:0)". national-football-teams.com. 15 June 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  50. ^ "Afcon 2021: Ex-England defender Steven Caulker named in Sierra Leone squad". BBC Sport. 31 December 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  51. ^ "Next Generation Series". Sierra Leone football. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  52. ^ "Crystal Palace's Sullay Kaikai undecided over Sierra Leone". BBC Sport. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  53. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  54. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  55. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  56. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  58. ^ "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  59. ^ "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  60. ^ "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  61. ^ a b "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  62. ^ "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  63. ^ "Games played by Sullay Kaikai in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  64. ^ "Sullay Kaikai". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
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