Gor Mahia defender Karim Nizigiyimana is set to make a big come-back to action in league matches.
The news was confirmed by Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr who stated that it’s great to have the defender back and the Burundian is fit and can play three quarters of a competitive match.
“It’s great to have Karim back…. that adds competition to the right back position with Wellington and Wafula already doing good in the same position. We can now take Philemon back to his favourite position – midfield. His progress has been great since he resumed to full training and he could be in action against Bandari,” Kerr told the official Gor Mahia website.
Karim has been training with the team for the last 10 days and his return is seen as a boost to Gor Mahia with the tight schedule in store.
His team mate Phillemon Otieno who has been operating on the right back since Karim got injured, is delighted to see him fully fit and says he has been getting a lot of advice from the Burundian before every game.
“We are happy to have Karim back… he is a great player who inspired me a great deal. When he got injured, l was deployed to his position. Previously, l had never played in that position but Karim was my other coach who could call me before any game and advice me a lot. I worked with his advice together with coach’s instructions to deliver well and l truly thank him,” Otieno noted.
On his part, Karim is excited to return to active football and has appreciated Gor Mahia fraternity for the support he got while recovering.
“My sincere word of appreciation goes to Gor Mahia as a whole. I thank the club, the chairman who supported me all through – he gave all the support l needed, l thank my team mates for the big support they offered and l thank Gor Mahia fans also for their never ending support and faith in me. Thanks to all. I am back and ready to deliver,” Karim said.
The defender who has been out of active football for close to nine months after picking an injury last year and had to undergo a surgery process, is keen to be back to his previous scintillating form which helped him win accolades in 2015.
“I have been training well for many months as per doctor’s instructions and after being cleared, l doubled my efforts and hopefully, l will hit my top form,” he added.
If selected against Bandari on Tuesday next week, Karim will be making his first appearance in a competitive match this year.
