NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 01 – Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe has joined Japanese top tier side Vissel Kobe on a free transfer, months after leaving Chinese outfit Beijing Renhe.
Timbe has been without a club since leaving Renhe upon his return from a six month loan at English Championship side Reading FC where he found playing time tough to come by, despite making an impression in the few matches he played.
At Kobe, he will link up with former Barcelona midfield maestro Andres Iniesta and former Arsenal captain Thomas Varmaelen who are part of the squad.
He will also become the second Kenyan in the Japanese top tier this season after former Tusker and Sony Sugar forward Ismael Dunga joined another top tier side, Sagan Tosu.
“First of all I want to thank the club for giving me this opportunity and trust to join this fantastic club. It is an honour and an amazing feeling to be part of the Kobe family. I can’t wait to get started and enjoy the moments with our fans,” Timbe said in a video posted on the club’s Twitter account.
The 28-year old winger will hope to achieve as much success as striker Michael Olunga who was the league’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player last season with Kashiwa Reysol before moving to the Gulf after signing with Qatari side AL Duhail.
