Rwandan striker Jacques Tuyisenge in training with champions Gor Mahia at Jericho’s Camp Toyoyo Ground.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu.
NAIROBI, MARCH 31- Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge says he is hungry to get his first minutes of action in the SportPesa Premier League and has promised to repay the faith K’Ogalo has shown in him.
Tuyisenge, who skippered Rwanda’s team at the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN), has not been able to feature for the three-time back-to-back champions since signing from Rwandese top tier side Police FC on a Sh4 million move due to a knee tendon injury.
The 25-year-old has recovered and featured in all of Gor’s friendly matches during the two-week international break and is in line to make his debut this weekend when the team travels to Mumias to take on Kakamega Homeboyz.
“It means so much for the Gor Mahia management to have been patient with me, having bought me for a lot of money but couldn’t play because of injury. They have been supportive and I feel indebted to them to repay them for the patience they have shown.”
“In terms of my recovery there isn’t so much left. I have been able to train well and the only thing I am working on is fitness,” Tuyisenge told Capital Sport.
He says he has settled in well at the club and believes he will be an asset to Gor as they work to get their groove back and successfully defend their Premier League title for a fourth year in a row.
“I have not have difficulties settling in because I knew Abouba Sibomana and Karim Nzigiyimana before coming so I was comfortable. When I started training everyone treated me well and gave me support,” he added.
The availability of Tuyisenge will be a huge boost for head coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira as he takes charge of his first match.
-Marcelo upbeat-
Gor Mahia head coach Jose Marcelo taking his charges through training.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.
Gor has scored three goals in five matches and Ferreira is optimistic Tuyisenge’s involvement will increase the tally of goals.
“I am quite happy that he is back and in training. He has the experience having played in high levels. I have a lot of faith in him and I know he will add strength to the team,” the tactician added.
Tuyisenge in turn promises to deliver, knowing too well the expectations over his shoulders especially with his huge price tag.
“I know a lot is expected of me but I trust in my abilities. I know I will score goals and I will strive to do so. It is not easy and I have watched KPL matches and I know it is tough,” Tuyisenge added.
Gor will be looking for their first win of the season as they travel to Western Kenya and Ferreira, known to many as Ze Maria remains confident his side has been able to patch up all the grey areas and the team will be back to its menacing self.
“The two weeks break has been of help to us because we have worked on our style of play and the team is grasping my philosophy. We have also played some friendly matches which have helped me to have a better look at the team,” the Brazilian stated.
Heading into the match, Gor will be fresher than their opponents who played on Wednesday in a 2-1 loss to AFC Leopards in Nairobi.
