The Nigerian Suleman Shaibu, replacement goalkeeper for TP Mazembe, played as an attacker during the last two meetings of the Congolese club and scored twice during the Ravens’ success against US Panda (3-0), on Wednesday October 30. Achievements which excite supporters and which could allow him to continue in this role beyond his role.
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From our correspondent in the DRC, Pascal Mwangala
For TP Mazembe supporters, Suleman Shaibu has all the makings of a great striker. Jean-Luc Mbuya also remained amazed by the man he now considers to be a former goalkeeper. “ The way he scored, it was the class of great players, of real professional number 9s. »
However, Suleman Shaibu only played barely thirty minutes as an outfield player: ten minutes in his first match and twenty minutes in the second. His double against US Panda on Wednesday October 30 made him the Corbeaux’s co-top scorer in the league with Patient Mwamba. “ I couldn’t imagine what was happening to me. I asked the coach if I could help the club as an outfield player, and he was OK. I am very happy to have scored two goals and above all to have helped the team to win “, Shaibu simply said.
If initially this decision was considered courageous, it can today be described as saving for a club prohibited from registering new recruits, believes club coach Lamine N’Diaye. “ Casually, Shaibu is not bad on his feet. He is a goalkeeper who strikes the ball and has a header. It comforts us in the idea of trying, because we have to try things. We have our backs against the wall, we have no choice “, he explained.
Aged 21, how far can Suleman Shaibu go in this reconversion? The days to come are already shaping up to be decisive.
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