Mbunga Makes Tigers Return

Mbunga, 19, is a former Birmingham City forward who has been on trial with the Tigers for pre-season and has impressed with his lightning pace and finishing ability.

He had a spell on loan at Stratford Town in the Evo-Stik League South Premier early last season and, after being released by the Blues and trialling with Gloucester, Mbunga joined Swedish side IFK Ostersund.

The striker, who lives in Gloucester and started his career as part of the Tigers youth system, says he is pleased to be back and can’t wait to get the season underway.

“I started my career here when I was 11 years old and now I’m back eight years later it’s a great feeling” Mbunga told the club`s official website. “Personally, I can’t wait to show the fans of Gloucester City what I can do, they’ve seen glimpses in pre-season but I think there’s a lot more to come and now I just want the season to get going.”

Despite being one of the quickest players on the team, Mbunga was quick to dispel any notions that he is a ‘one-trick pony’: “Yes, I’m pretty quick but personally I think my best quality is that I’m a real team player,” he said. “If I can’t score the goals I’m always looking at ways in which I can help my team-mates score so we get the win which is the most important thing.”

Gloucester manager Tim Harris has been casting his eye over Mbunga for a while and noted how pleasing it was to secure the strikers signature: “He came in to us around last Christmas but he had an opportunity to go over to Sweden which he took, but now he’s back I’m pleased to have him on board for the new season.

“He’s worked really hard in pre-season, he has a great turn of pace, he knows where the back of the net is and a big plus is he lives in Gloucester so it ticks a lot of boxes for us.

“I’m delighted he’s signed a contract with us and we are hoping that he can help us get towards where we want to be, which is in the right half of the table.”

Harris also said he remains hopeful of signing Eliot Richards before the season kicks off on the 5th August.

“Eliot is another one who has come and fitted in really well, but it’s a little bit difficult with him due to some personal circumstances so it’s not straightforward.

“I’m reasonably hopeful that we can add him to the squad, but there are things outside of football that will dictate if he signs for Gloucester City or not”.