Bimenyimana: Why I’m impressed by the new-look Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana has thrown his weight behind the club’s recent turnaround, expressing his delight at seeing the Soweto giants reclaim their status as a competitive force in South African football.

The Burundi international, who parted ways with Amakhosi at the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign, is currently enjoying a productive spell in the Middle East. Now 28, Bimenyimana has found his scoring boots at Jeddah SC in the Saudi First Division, netting five goals in eight starts—a return that suggests the lanky forward has adjusted well to the demands of Saudi football.

No Hard Feelings Toward Chiefs – Bimenyimana

Reflecting on his exit from the Village, Bimenyimana insists he carries no bitterness regarding the often-polarised reactions his performances drew from the Amakhosi faithful. While his time in the gold and black was marked by both goal-scoring streaks and periods of scrutiny, the striker remains grounded in his faith.

“I am aware that when I left Chiefs, some fans were against me, but I didn’t take it to heart,” Bimenyimana told FARPost. “I leave everything in God’s hands. As a Christian, I believe everything happens for a reason.”

Despite being thousands of miles away, the forward has maintained strong personal ties with several figures at the club. He noted that he remains in frequent contact with Zitha Kwinika, Bruce Bvuma, and George Matlou, as well as former Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove, citing the “warmth” they showed him during his tenure.

Faith in the Kaze-Ben Youssef Partnership

Bimenyimana’s interest in Chiefs remains high, often tuning in to watch their matches between his own training sessions in Jeddah. He admits to being “really impressed” by the tactical progress made under the current technical team.

Specifically, the striker highlighted his long-standing relationship with co-coach Cedric Kaze, who mentored him during his formative years in the Burundi Under-17 national team.

“I know Coach Cedric Kaze well, and I know what he is capable of; I believe both the coaches and the players can push even further,” he added.

CAF Ambitions and the Unbeaten Run

With Kaizer Chiefs currently enjoying a formidable seven-match unbeaten streak, Bimenyimana is confident that the club will secure a return to continental football. After the disappointment of finishing outside the top eight last season, the club is now firmly entrenched in third place, which would guarantee a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“They are doing amazing things, but I still think there is more to come from them,” the striker predicted. “I’m confident they will maintain the gap, secure a Top Eight finish, and compete for a CAF Confed Cup spot.”

As Bimenyimana continues to thrive in the “demanding and rewarding” environment of the Saudi league, his heart clearly remains partially at Naturena, watching as the “resurgence” he envisioned begins to take shape.