Nsabiyumva: a Burundian with a mission in SA
Defender eager to help Chilli Boys into top eight
Chippa United defender and Burundian international Frederic Nsabiyumva feels his return to the Absa Premiership will benefit his national team.
Nsabiyumva, 22, is currently the only Burundian in the Premiership.
He joined Chippa from National First Division (NFD) side Jomo Cosmos in February.
Before his move to the Chilli Boys he had last played in the Absa Premiership in the 2015/16 season when Cosmos were relegated.
“The PSL is one of the biggest leagues on the continent and playing here is a big thing for many African players. My return to the elite league will not only help me grow as a player but will also help the Burundian national team,’’ Nsabiyumva told Sowetan.
“This league is so competitive and as a national team player, that’s what you need to test your capabilities. I have adapted very well because it is not my first season in the PSL. I made 27 appearances for Cosmos in 2016,’’ noted the player with eight national team caps.
Valery Nahayo was the last Burundian to play in SA’s elite league, stacking over a decade of appearances for Cosmos and Kaizer Chiefs between 2008 and 2011 respectively.
“I used to watch him play for the national team, he was my role model. I am positive that I will also record my own history like him,’’ said Nsabiyumva.
Chippa are ninth on the table and are targeting a topeight finish.
Nsabiyumva reckons beating leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld tonight (7.30pm) will boost their ambitions, although the towering defender is suspended for this encounter.
“Our main goal is to finish in the top-eight and beating Sundowns will be very important to achieve that objective. I am suspended for this game but I believe my teammates will soldier on without my services.’’
‘‘ Our main goal is to finish in the topeight, beating Downs will be important