Former Nigerian international Simon Zenke, talking exclusively to Footy-Africa, expressed belief that going back to familiar grounds will help Super Eagles defender Jamilu Collins rediscover his best form.
After almost a year out of competitive football, the 31-year-old full-back has finally found a new home, signing with the German side Erzgebirge Aue in a bid to revive his career.
“I am happy that he is going back to a familiar terrain to get his game going again. It can only benefit him. If you ask any player, being out for a year is almost like an eternity, so seeing him sign for a new club is a good thing and I am happy for him. I know he has spent some time in Germany and I also heard he can speak their language, which is good,” he noted in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
Zenke also added that Collins will now need to make the most of this opportunity:
“For Collins, I think that this is a chance for him to work hard and get his form back in a suitable environment with less pressure so that he can show what he can do. It is a good move despite the fact that it isn’t the level that he is used to,” he explained.
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Collins is no stranger to German football, having previously spent five years in the country, playing across the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.
Collins’ career has been a globe-trotting one since breaking through at Rijeka in Croatia, before having spells in Slovenia and Croatia’s lower leagues, before establishing himself in Germany with SC Paderborn, where he built a reputation as a reliable, hard-running defender.
Now at the twilight of his career at 31, his move to Aue offers him a fresh start and perhaps the chance to remind Nigerian fans of his qualities and a chance to add to his 25 caps for Nigeria.
