Head coach of top division Belgium side Gent has explained the reason why Nigeria international striker Gift Orban isn’t starting games at the club, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Orban became an instant hit last season following his January transfer deadline day move to Gent from Norwegian second division side Stabæk. He ended the season with 20 goals in 22 games and earned a first time call up to the senior national team of Nigeria, he hasn’t found that same rhythm this season with his last goal coming in August.
That form has cost him his spot in the team and ahead of their Europa Conference League game against Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv, coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck defended his decision of not handing the Nigerian a starting spot anymore.
“Even during training, the balls no longer go in,” Hein Vanhaezebrouck told Het Laatste Nieuws. “Otherwise he would play more, right? People ask questions because he is on the bench. But it is very simple: someone who plays fantastically well in training always starts.”
“Everything worked last season, he was great. We also find it strange that it doesn’t work anymore. Look, you have moments in your career when things don’t go well. He is now in such a period.”
“That can also make him stronger. He is still young. Then this is not so obvious. Gift is an optimist – he keeps smiling. But of course it gets into his head,” concludes the coach .
