Belgian League: Orban, Gent coach at war over bench role

Nigerian attacker Gift Orban has expressed his displeasure for not starting in KAA Gent’s crucial matches.

The Nigerian has been restricted to playing the entire 90 minutes for Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s team ever since Buffalo’s 3-nil triumph against KAS Eupen.

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Hugo Cuypers’ pass reached Orban, who had entered the game as a substitute during Gent’s match against Westerlo in the 76th minute of play, and he subsequently blasted the ball into the right side of the goal.

Despite scoring, the former Stabaek Fotball star did not feel much happiness to celebrate his goal, as he was bothered by being sidelined for Tarik Tissoudali, who is yet to register a goal for the Ghent-based side this season.

When pressed after the conclusion of the match, the Nigerian attacker said that he needed more playing time to improve his football.

“Look, I’m a player who has to grow in a match. I always want to play. I know I still have steps to take, but even if I played at a bigger club, I would also say this: I deserve to play, period. Furthermore, I’m not used to this.” he said, as quoted by Voetbalkrant.

Orban has scored 15 goals in 17 league appearances this season since his January move from Norway, and he has drawn media attention.

The decision for his manager to bench his best leg in some crucial matches comes as a surprise to everyone. Orban, however, speaking further on this, revealed that he would keep trying his best.

He added: “In the end I can say what I want, but it is the coach who decides. I will have to do my best.”

In the Belgian Pro League Championship playoffs, Orban will be hoping to play more minutes when Gent travels to Maurice Dufresne Stadium to play Standard de Liege.