Ayub Timbe speaks out after making Vissel Kobe debut

Kenyan international Ayub Timbe was delighted after he was handed his Vissel Kobe debut in the barren draw against Shonan Bellmare days after linking up with the team.

Despite signing for Kobe back in February before the start of the season, Timbe travelled to Japan towards the end of March owing to the travel restrictions in Japan.

The winger also had to spend two weeks in the JVillage as a precautionary measure for Covid-19 before linking up with the team.

The former Reading FC winger was delighted to finally make his debut for Kobe but admitted he needs a few training sessions with the team to polish up his fitness.

“I am really happy to finally make my debut, I was training very hard in the JVillage and coming to the team, I need to have a few training sessions with the team to get my fitness back but everything else is good in general.”

“I feel like I integrated well with the team, I was welcomed warmly that is why my combination with the team is a bit easier, despite the result I’m happy to be with the team,” said Timbe after the match.

The 28-year-old was given the nod for his debut in the 66th minute, coming on for Shion Inoue as Kobe pressed on for the elusive opening goal. 

Since touching down in Japan, Timbe has fallen in love with almost everything in the Asian country from the food to the people.

“I like the country, the league is very good as well, the people are good, the food is good so we shall see how it will go but I’m happy to be here,” added the midfielder.

Timbe will be hoping to make his first start on Wednesday 21 April when Kobe take on Tokushima Vortis in the Japanese Cup.