Reasons for Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana’s dip in form

Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana began life in South Africa’s topflight like a house on fire, but the Burundian international is now stuttering, experiencing a dip in form.

The lanky striker joined Kaizer Chiefs five months ago and hit the ground running with coach Arthur Zwane confident that he had found the man to solve the club’s goalscoring crisis.

And Bimenyimana’s display in his first few games in Chiefs colours gave Zwane hope as the 25-year-old striker managed to score seven goals and provide an assist in 13 DStv Premiership outings.

However, a thigh injury in October 2022 slowed down his progress as he was on the sidelines before making a return to action against Golden Arrows on December 31 in a league game.

In the Arrows game, and TS Galaxy encounter on 5 February, Bimenyimana limped off the pitch, as he looked uncomfortable.

Addressing the media at the Wanderers Club during the Soweto Derby press conference, the striker admitted that injuries have played a part in his drop in form.

Bimenyimana explains dip in form

“On my side, I was injured for some time, and when I stay consistent, I scored seven goals,” said Bimenyimana, who last scored for Chiefs against Arrows in December.

“I’m looking forward to getting fit again and keep going.

“In many games, we were forced to change the squad [due to injuries], so it is difficult to know each other well, like how to pass, and communicate.

“But I can say that we have been playing well; unfortunately, we have been unlucky with [results],” he added.

Bimenyimana is optimistic that he will end the dry spell that has seen him drop down to third place in the Premiership Golden Boot race, two goals behind top scorer Peter Shalulile.

Furthermore, Bimenyimana insisted that he thrives under pressure as the Soweto giants look to end their eight-year trophy drought.

“Chiefs is a big club, and I like the pressure because I have been playing in big clubs before,” he claimed.

“So the pressure is there to motivate you, and you work hard and deliver good results.”

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