Gor Mahia right back Karim Nizigiyimana is fit for selection after battling a long term injury that has kept him out of action for close to nine months.
The Burundian international underwent a surgery and has been recovering and now coach Dylan Kerr has confirmed that he can play up-to three quarters of a competitive match.
In his absence, Gor have been deploying holding midfielder Philemon Otieno in the defense position.
“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 Gor’s website.
Philemon, also known as Mbish, welcomed the news of the Karim’s return and thanked for the lessons during the transition period.
“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 said.
Karim, who has been training with the rest of the team for the past ten days, could be up for selection on Tuesday next week when the run-away league leaders face Bandari in Mombasa.
Despite being out for that long, Gor kept honoring his contract which ends in January next year.
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He thanked the club and the chairman Ambrose Rachier for the support during that trying period.
“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.
“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.
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