Le retour en force de Gaël Bigirimana

Le retour en force de Gaël Bigirimana

Source : www.chroniclelive.co.uk

Gaël Bigirimana

Source de la photo : www.chroniclelive.co.uk

 

Gael Bigirimana has revealed his determination to make the most of another chance at Newcastle United.

The midfielder was tipped for big things at St James’ Park after breaking into the side in the 2012/13 season, joining from Coventry City after being spotted plying his trade in the lower leagues by chief scout Graham Carr.

However, his last senior appearance came 23 months ago in a League Cup win under Alan Pardew.

Since then he has been farmed out to Glasgow Rangers and dealt with injuries and a medical condition.

But his substitute appearance in Milwaukee against Club Atlas marked the end of a long road back for the midfielder.

Still just 21, he is looking ahead to the new campaign under Steve McClaren after being handed a clean slate.

Bigirimana told the Chronicle: “It has been two tough years for me.

“But that’s what football is.

“You are going to get ups and downs and trials like that.

“What you have to do is to make sure you don’t lose the passion for the game.

“Thank God I haven’t lost it and at the moment I am playing again.

“Everybody has a new start so we have to do what we need to do.”

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Bigirimana came on for around 20 minutes of the 2-1 loss to Club Atlas and played at right-back.

He added: “People might think that I am playing out of position.

“It’s not. But if the manager thinks I can do a job there I am all for the team.

“It is about the team.

“There is no player that is bigger than the club.

“I am just happy to be back playing football.”

The fitness factor could not be more significant for a player who has missed almost two years of action.

Bigirimana went on: “Pre-season is all about fitness and sometimes you just have to focus on what you need to do as a team and what you need building up to the season.

“So obviously we are disappointed to lose the first game.

“But we are working towards something.

“And we are working hard.”

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren on the sidelines during game against Club Atlas at Miller Park

Newcastle players have all spoken of the Magpies’ new style of play, and McClaren seems to be getting his message across on tactics.

Bigirimana said: “We want to be a team that has a style, and the new manager and the coaches as well as all the players are looking forward to all of that.

“We are just working away and gelling together with the system.

“It will be a system of Newcastle but it will take time.

“Hopefully not too long but during pre-season we work and then the first game of the Premier League season we’ll be ready.”

Newcastle were backed by good numbers in Winconsin earlier this week and now it is the turn of the Californian Toon fans to get behind their team.

Bigirimana spoke of his appreciation for the supporters.

The midfielder said:“I was surprised.

“I looked round and thought: ‘Wow – Newcastle really is a big club’.

“To have that many fans over here is unbelievable and coming to support us and see us play.”

 

 

Le retour en force de Gaël Bigirimana

Le voilà de retour à Newcastle. Après une traversée du désert, il signe un retour triomphal dans le club qui l’avait prêté en Ecosse. En témoigne sa prestation lors des matchs de Newcastle (équipe B) en attendant son retour en bonne et due forme dans la sélection A prenant part au Championnat Anglais de 1^ère Division.

« Il est sur la bonne voie pour regagner l’équipe première de Newcastle » nous a affirmé un Burundais vivant en Angleterre et qui le suit de très près.

Gaël est une valeur sûre. Toujours selon notre compatriote d’Angleterre, il aimerait servir les Hirondelles Burundaises pour affronter la RDC. Mais craint pour sa sécurité. Les images vues de l’extérieur sur le Burundi ne rassérènent pas ceux qui aimeraient regagner le bercail.

Bigirimana proposerait d’être aligné le 15 novembre lors de la manche retour prévue à Kinshasa.

Sa peur n’est pas sans fondement. Avouons-le. Mais qu’il sache que les Joueurs des Hirondelles sont sécurisés à la mise au vert. La preuve en est qu’il ne serait pas le seul élément venu de l’extérieur.

Papy Faty, Fuad Ndayisenga, Frédéric Nsabiyumva, Amissi Cédric, Yamin Selemani, Karim Nizigiyimana, Kwizera Pierrot, Abdul Razak Fiston ne cessent de venir. Même David Habarugira de Belgique serait prêt à débarquer à Bujumbura.

Le fait de vouloir venir est salutaire à plus d’un titre. Bravo Gaël ! Il ne resterait plus qu’à négocier sa venue en lui garantissant des conditions optimales de sécurité.

 

Patrick Sota