Coach didn’t give me enough time to play - Tshabalala
Saturday, February 03, 2024
Burundian goal machine Hussein Shabani popularly known as Tshabalala is back to the fold of his former club AS Kigali FC. File

Burundian striker Shabani 'Tshabalala' Hussein, has said he returned to AS Kigali to play after struggling for playing time at his former club Al Ta'awon.

Tshabalala joined Libyan outfit Al Ta&039;awon in a two-year deal in August 2023 but his contract was terminated on mutual agreement after just five months.

He moved back to his former club AS Kigali in the January 2024 transfer window, and he scored on his return as the Citizens beat Gorilla FC 1-0 in the Primus National League on Friday.

ALSO READ: Can Hussein Tshabalala turn AS Kigali fortunes around

Tshabalala said that he struggled to impress in Libya because the coach did not bother to help him to adapt to his style, prompting to call for termination of his two-year contract.

"I failed to adapt there (Libya) my communication with the coach was not good either. He didn’t give me enough time to play," the Burundian told the press in a post-match interview.

"I said to myself that I need to find a team that fits my style of play instead of getting myself involved in a row with him. That is why I decided to return to AS Kigali to play regularly and get my forms back."

"I’m here to help the club get back to where it was before I left. My goal is to play abroad next season that’s why I signed a six-month contract."

Tshabalala admits he didn't monitor the Rwandan League that much when he was away but the few games he watched, he can say the competition is tough.

"This season is difficult as it has always been. I didn’t follow the first round as I was in Libya but from the few games I watched, most teams are doing well."

On why he chose AS Kigali, the 2021/22 Primus National League top scorer explained that the Citizens made the first approach and as he enjoyed success previously at the club, it was easy for him to agree to their bid.

"I chose AS Kigali because they made the first approach and it is a club I played for before going to Libya, so it was an easy choice for me because I knew everything about the club," he said.