'It's in God's hands': Gael Bigirimana says Glentoran move all part of the plan as battle rages for starting spot

Fitting in: Gael Bigirimana can’t wait to see more of NI when restrictions are lifted

Stuart McKinley

March 05 2021 07:52 AM

He's a long way from home, but feeling right at home.

There have been several stop-offs on Gael Bigirimana's intriguing career journey from Burundi to Belfast. Along the way, he's ticked several boxes that would be on most footballers' to-do list.

A £1m teenager when he signed a five-year deal at Newcastle United in 2012, it's only four years ago that the now 27-year-old scored at Wembley as he helped Coventry City to win the EFL Trophy.

As a committed Christian, Bigirimana's faith says that Glentoran was chosen for him rather than him choosing to move to The Oval and, after bringing his wife and young family to east Belfast, he now just wants to enjoy life on and off the pitch.

After playing a part in the Glens' run of five wins in a row - two of them against bitter rivals Linfield - life doesn't get much better. All Bigirimana wants to do now is nail down a regular starting place in Mick McDermott's team as they push themselves into a Danske Bank Premiership title race that is getting tighter.

"Everybody is playing for their position and competition is good when it's directed in the right way," said Bigirimana, who will hope to get the nod for tonight's clash with Carrick Rangers.

"The only thing that I have to do is continue to look at myself and try to be the best that I can be on the training pitch, and then whatever happens, if I start or if I don't start, I know my career is in God's hands so I don't fear.

"I am at peace and know that if I start or don't start that it is God's will. It gives you peace.

"The competition is great for Glentoran and it's a good problem for the staff. Whether a player goes out and doesn't play for four games, you never know. When your time comes you might end up playing the last four games of the season that could decide the league."

The way things are going this season, that is exactly how things might pan out.

But how did the kid who came to Coventry as an 11-year-old refugee and played for Newcastle in the Premier League and Europa League, as well as spells in Scotland with Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian, end up in Northern Ireland just two years after playing for Burundi in the African Cup of Nations?

"I was without a club for a year and when Covid hit it made things difficult, especially in England with the financial situation at clubs," said Bigirimana.

"I wanted to go somewhere I could start playing, have joy and just play football for what it is and try to better myself as a husband and a dad.

"I have a good relationship with Stephen Robinson from when we were at Motherwell, and he managed to speak to some clubs for me and Glentoran were the ones to reach out. It's a fresh start and in my heart I just believe this is where my Lord, my God, wants me to be. I am looking forward to what the future brings while I am here."

His immediate future includes two African Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

There is much more on his agenda and Bigirimana hopes to immerse himself more in the culture of Northern Ireland and the Irish League, with restrictions so far denying him the opportunity.

"My family is here with me. We are becoming fond of the place even though with the lockdown there isn't much to do. So far we are grateful and can't complain," he said. "I've been in Newcastle and Scotland - it's colder there. I can't wait, God willing, when everything settles down and things open, especially in the summer, I can imagine that it's a beautiful place to be.

"I just hope that very soon the fans are allowed in and I get to experience what it is like."

'It's in God's hands': Gael Bigirimana says Glentoran move all part of the plan as battle rages for starting spot

Most Read

Top Videos

Belfast hopes for Executive coronavirus announcement

Man (21) shot in west Belfast paramilitary style attack

Video: X-rated footage of woman stripping outside a Comber bar branded 'disgusting'

Latest Glentoran

Latest from Belfast Telegraph