Former Bordeaux Manager Highlights The Fine Qualities That Will Make Kalu, Maja Super Stars For Nigeria And Les Girondins

Gernot Rohr has showered praises on Super Eagles forward Samuel Kalu, while also acknowledging the fine goalscoring qualities of Kalu’s club teammate, Josh Maja.

Rohr, who also played for Bordeaux from the late 70s to the late 80s and equally managed the side in the 90s,  believes the two Super Eagles stars can become key players for Les Girondins.

Kalu has been going through a difficult time recently at the club with the former Gent star only featuring for 36 minutes this new year.

The national team boss of the 22-year-old is, however, convinced that the youngster has the qualities to be a top player.

“Samuel Kalu is a fast winger, dribbler who can easily dribble past any opponent,” Rohr was quoted by Girondins33. 

“He can play on the right, he can play on the left, he is a real winger who can help a little at the back obviously like any winger should do in the defensive phase.

“His strengths are dribbling, speed, shots on goal. He can score nice goals as he has done with us, especially against Benin. He gave us the victory from the left, by shooting a magnificent ball. He also has a very pleasant character in a group.”

While Kalu is not having the best of time currently, his international teammate, Josh Maja is enjoying life under Bordeaux boss, Paolo Sousa.

Maja has scored seven goals for Bordeaux this season, and Rohr is confident Les Girondins will soon uncover a player who is adept at getting the ball past the goalkeeper.

“It’s the same for Josh Maja, a very young player, who comes from England, and who we already had in our scouting list when he signed to the Girondins.

“Everything obviously depends on the playing time he can have, he is a real goalscorer. He is a scorer who is also technical, who certainly has a great future too, in a style of speed, of movement. Very good mentality too.”

Rohr also called on the coach of the Navy-Blue-and-White to show more confidence in the Nigerian duo as only then can they give their best.

“Confidence in themselves is important, but also the confidence of the staff. When a player feels that a coach appreciates him, that he wants to help him, that he counts on him, etc, it gives him a boost.”

Coach Sousa included Maja in Bordeaux’s 20-man provisional squad for the Ligue 1 game against Nantes on Sunday evening, while Kalu remains frozen out of the team.