SPORT

Adelaide United signs teenager Pacifique Niyongabire on A-League scholarship contract

“I thought I was doing pretty well, but I wasn’t expecting it this early,” said Niyongabire, who has scored four goals in three NPL SA games for United’s youth team this year.

“When you’re playing against men it really develops you because it gets you thinking and it prepares you for the A-League.

“Being in the youth team has also taught me things like being on time and presenting myself in a professional way.

“The coaches are telling me what I need to improve on and that’s helping me a lot.”

The lightning fast winger or striker was spotted by United when he helped a team representing Burundi win Football Federation SA’s African Cup of Nations in 2016.

He was offered a place at the Reds’ football school, before impressing in a trial with their youth team early last year.

Niyongabire, who has had stints at Playford City and Gawler Eagles, received a shock A-League debut in January when he was a late substitute in Adelaide’s 0-0 draw with Sydney.

“It all happened really fast and to be honest I was really scared.

“It was definitely faster and the players were more physical.

“But I was pretty proud and I’d like to get on the bench a couple more times and get a bit more game-time.”

Niyongabire has followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Elvis Kamsoba, who is playing for Victorian top flight club Avondale after catching the eye with Gepps Cross-based Raiders.

He has also inherited his sibling’s trademark backflip goal celebration.

“I remember the first time I practised it I landed on my neck, but I kept doing it after that.

“It’s just a unique celebration because not everyone can do it. Now every time I score, I just do it.”

United’s general manager of football Ante Kovacevic predicted a bright future for said Niyongabire.

“Pacifique is a talented young footballer that has impressed us from the beginning of pre-season,” Kovacevic said.

“He has continued to work hard and go about his football in a professional manner and this is reward for that.

“Pacifique is still young and definitely has a big future ahead of him and we’re excited to see what that will bring.”