Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana scores on strong debut for Jeddah Club

Saudi Arabia’s second tier is a common landing spot for African players and Burundian forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana began his spell at Jeddah Club on the right note Friday.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and USM Alger striker converted from the penalty spot to equalize for Jeddah in the first half against hosts Al Jubail, helping his club overcome a poor start to win their opening match from the 2025-26 Saudi First Division campaign. Jawad Amin’s double confirmed victory for Jeddah in a battle between two clubs who finished in the middle of the table last season.

Ever since leaving Kaizer Chiefs for Libya in September 2023, it has been a tumultuous two years for the towering goal scorer. An unsuccessful spell at Al Ahly Benghazi was followed by almost nine months out of contract. It did not go much better at Iranian club Zob Ahan where Bimenyimana only managed four appearances.

After three months in Iran, he gained some form and confidence at USM Alger with three goals in ten league matches before joining Jeddah on a free transfer. A true globetrotter, the 27-year-old former Rayon Sports star is at his eleventh club but may find a home at Jeddah in a league that highly values the physical profile of strikers like Bimenyimana.

Jeddah will next host Al Wehda on September 18.

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