The waiting is over as Benji makes debut for Thistle and declares: ‘I want more’

Nov 5 2008 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

EAST Kilbride Thistle’s new signing Benjamin Njemo enjoyed his first taste of junior football on Saturday – and he admits he’s hungry for more this week.

The 29-year-old from Cameroon – who has mixed it with some of the best players in the world including Dimitar Berbatov and Samuel Eto’o – made his debut in Thistle’s 2-0 friendly win over Royal Albert. But now he can’t wait to get stuck into league action this weekend when the Jags travel to Kilbirnie.

The attacking midfielder who plied his trade in Bulgaria told the News: “I enjoyed my first game for the club and it was nice to get a victory, as well as a good performance.

“I didn’t play too badly, but it has been quite frustrating for me waiting to get a game. Since I came to the club I have been training, training, training because we haven’t had any games.

“The weather in this country can be very frustrating and I was delighted the weather was good at the weekend. I was really looking forward to my debut last week and when I heard it was cancelled, I was really disappointed.

“We had a good team display and I’m looking forward to playing a league match. It’s one thing to play a friendly game, but in a league match you want to get the three points and do well.”

Benji has had to be patient as the horrendous Scottish weather prevented him from making his debut two weeks ago.

The former Chepinets Velingrad star said: “It took me a while to come into the game and in my first 15 minutes I tried to get used to the pitch. The Showpark is a lot different to pitches in Bulgaria – it’s really heavy – but I came into my own once I got used to it.

“It’s not an excuse because I know I can play well and I’m still playing with confidence. I want to give everything for the team and the most important thing was we got a victory. We play as a team and we win as a team.”

Benji will be involved on Saturday against Kilbirnie Ladeside and he insists confidence is high within the Thistle ranks ahead of the contest.

He added: “I hope we can take last week’s performance into the next match because there is a great feeling within the team and the boys are very motivated to get something on Saturday.”