With his future uncertain at Kaizer Chiefs, there has been a silver lining for out-of-favour striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana.
The Burundian forward faces a potential exit at Naturena, having been sidelined towards the end of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
Despite his uncertain club future, the Burundi national team selectors have picked the 25-year-old forward.
SILVER LINING FOR CALEB BIMENYIMANA
Intamba mu Rugamba head coach Etienne Ndayiragije named a 29-man provisional squad ahead of their clash with Namibia on Tuesday, June 20.
Bimenyimana’s Burundi will take on Peter Shalulile’s Brave Warriors in a must-win African Cup of Nations qualifier.
READ: Latest on Caleb Bimenyimana’s future at Kaizer Chiefs
The East Africans are without a win in Group C of the 2024 AFCON qualifiers, which also consists of Cameroon. They have played two friendlies against Indonesia, losing one and drawing one back in March.
Ndayiragije will be looking to Bimenyimana for goals when they take on Namibia. The lanky forward may also see this as an opportunity to prove himself in national colours as his handlers look for a new club.
STRUGGLING UNDER ARTHUR ZWANE
In March this year, a former Chiefs coach, Muhsin Ertugral, said Bimenyimana struggles under Coach Arthur Zwane’s tactics.
“That is what I’m saying, I’m saying that Zwane’s tactics play a role in Caleb’s recent form because the team needs to find its identity. It’s not enough to win one game, but the team needs to move towards the process of challenging. This is what the supporters demand, ” said Ertugral.
The Bujumbura-born forward scored eight goals in 21 matches in all competitions. He made his debut against AmaZulu in September 2022 in the DStv Premiership.
His contract expires on June 2024, which means he still has a year on his current deal.
Bimenyimana has scored four goals for Burundi in 17 encounters on duty.