Battle-hardened Sofapaka centre back David Nshimirimana concedes that his omission from the Burundi national team that is set to play Indonesia in an international friendly match is a wakeup call for him to step up his game.Nshimirimana has been a mainstay in the Burundi national team defence but was shockingly overlooked when coach Etienne Ndayiragije named the squad to take on Indonesia.##NAJAVA_MECA_7125749##Burundi would have played Harambee Stars twice in the current international break but, the matches were cancelled last year following, the suspension FIFA imposed on Kenya and the subsequent, elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.The two countries, tried to organize a friendly match during the break, but the plan aborted under unclear circumstances as none of the federations gave an official statement clearing the air on why the match was cancelled.After missing out on Stars, Burundi travelled to Indonesia for a friendly game against the host that is set to be played on Saturday.Former Gor Mahia midfielder returns for League Two club in USANshimirimana said, the decision by Ndayiragije to overlook him will prompt him to work harder so as to return to the fold in the next round of AFCON qualifiers set for June.“I can’t recall the last time I failed to make it to the national team. Failing to secure a call up for the friendly match against Indonesia is a wake up call for me to improve. I have to work harder if I am to convince the coach that, I still have something to offer to the team,” he said.Relief for Gor Mahia as FIFA lifts player transfer banNshimirimana joined Sofapaka in February 2021 from Zambia Super League side Buildcon FC.He rubbished a suggestion indicating that the levels of the Kenyan league and the absence of a broadcast partner triggered his snub from the national team.“My omission from the team has got nothing to do with where I am attached currently. I am sure the technical bench monitors Sofapaka matches so as to track my progress. I am hoping to make a return in the next FIFA week,” he added.AFCONQ: Rwanda allowed to host Benin behind closed doors in return match
