After surrendering the league’s top spot to arch rival Saint George in sloppy form Ethiopia Bunna signed a new striker from Burundi. Hussein Shabalala Shabani is expected to help French Coach Didier Gomes find some breathing space before an all out opposition is triggered from club supporters. “Ten goals in thirteen matches means Bunna is contending for a title with no strike force,” a club supporter suggested. “Even considering what the foreign strikers delivered so far, I am in doubt whether Shabani can make a difference,” he added.
With a current marketing value of 90,000 £, the attacking midfielder who played for Baroka FC in South Africa, Tanzanian sides Rayon Sports and Amagaju FC and Flamb de L’Est in Burundi, the 28 year old Shabani’s record as a striker is hardly impressive yet the coach appeared to be happy. A member of the 2014 CHAN Cup final held in South Africa, Shabani played for his country on 15 occasions but scored no goals. Add to that his two goals in eight appearances at CAF Champions League and ABSA Premier international fixtures, “The Brownies” hope of emerging as string title contender could stay on hold.
Recently, Bunna sacked two of their foreign players for below par performance. But even the remaining two foreigners 250000 Birr a month Ghanaian Kalusha AlHassan and DRC international Suleiman Lokwa each with just two goals, are not delivering what is expected of them thus the rationality of signing Shabani yet to be seen. Abubakar Nesru is Ethiopia Bunna leading striker with five goals four from the penalty spot.