Kiyovu Sports head coach Joslin Bipfubusa admits Ernest Sugira’s weight is very concerning but hopes the striker can trim it down and be back to his usual shape.

The Rwanda international joined the Green Baggies in August , returning to football action for the first time since June 2023 when his contract with Syrian outfit Al Wahda expired.

He, however, missed Kiyovu’s 2-1 win over city rivals AS Kigali in a rescheduled Rwanda Premier League match day 1 encounter on Wednesday, August 21, due to fitness problems.

Bupfubusa likened Sugira&039;s body weight to Brazilian attacker Neymar who gained weight some time back after when he sustained an injury that forced Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to play their remainder of the 2023/24 season without him.

"I think you know a player called Neymar; you saw how he had gained weight. But he later managed to reduce it and I think even Sugira will do it as well,” Bipfubusa told the press when asked about Sugira's condition.

The 33-year-old forward has to work on his fitness in time to be back in action on September 14 when Kiyovu Sports welcome Mukura VS after the international break.