LIMERICK FC have confirmed the signing of central defender Patrick Kanyuka, who is hoping he can provide the necessary “experience” to help the team’s fortunes turn around in the coming weeks.
The 28-year-old previously played with Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town, Cluj in Romania and Tamworth back in England, among others, with his most recent club being Roi Et United in Thailand.
Kanyuka arrived on Shannonside during the past month and played in the friendly match against MK Dons, earning himself a contract until the end of this season.
The Kinshasa-born player will add steel to Limerick’s defence and he has been cleared for selection for Saturday’s crucial Premier Division clash with Sligo Rovers at the Markets Field (6.30pm), where the Blues aim to close the gap at the foot of the table to seven points.
“I’m excited. It’s my first time in Ireland. I’ve been here for about two weeks and I like what I see regarding the facilities, the club, the players and Limerick,” Patrick told LimerickFC.ie.
“There is a young team here and regarding the facilities they have a new stadium so the future looks bright for the club.
“MK Dons was my first game since I came back from Thailand. It was kind of different to Thai football so I’m adapting to the physical game here. It was a good test.”
Explaining how the opportunity came about, Kanyuka added: “Basically I got back from Thailand. My brother looks after me. He isn’t an agent but he gets in contact with agents and he said to me ‘how about playing back in Europe?’. I said why not.
“He got me involved with this agent that is working in Ireland and I decided to come over and give it a try.”
Looking at the challenges ahead, the centre-half – who recently turned 28 – believes the squad is capable of getting out of trouble and he hopes he can show supporters his best form.
“First and foremost, I’m looking to win on Saturday and get a little run going, and help the team get out of the sticky situation that they’re in.
“It’s doable. I’ve seen the league and the ability of the players. They need a little bit more experience which I think I can produce. Whatever happens at the end of the season, we don’t know, but first we need to get out of this situation.
“I thought I was going to get my debut two weeks ago but there was a little issue with the ITC so it has come over now and I’m ready to go to help the team and show the Limerick fans what I’m capable of.”
