African players abroad TANZANIA : Belgian top team sign Tanzanian prodigy Pius Kelvin John

Tanzania’s up-and-coming striker, Pius Kelvin John, has signed for Belgian lower league side, KRC Gent, on a three-year contract.

Gent have confirmed the signing of John via the club’s website.

 “Welcome Kelvin,” said the club on the official website today.

Cecafa website has since quoted Tanzania Football Federation General Secretary, Wilfred Kidao, saying the transfer of John was good for the country’s football development.

 “He is a terrific goal scorer at the age of 18 and the first Tanzanian to get a chance to play professional football in Europe at the age of 18,” Kidao is quoted saying.

John was until recently, on the books of Brooke House Football Academy in Leicester, England.

Gent waited until John turned 18 years old to sign him on a professional contract.

The club finished on fourth place of the 2020/2021 Belgium Division A League.

John played in the 2018 AFCON U-17 event, 2021 AFCON U-20 event and was top scorer in the 2019 CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup where he lead Tanzania to victory.

The youngster is following the footsepts of Taifa Stars skipper Mbwana Samatta who had a successful time with Genk also in Belgium from 2016 to 2019.

Samatta clinched a move to Aston Villa who eventually loaned him out to Turkish club Fenerbahçe.


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