Elvis Kamsoba reveals his pride in debuting for Burundi and his ambitions for the season ahead

Melbourne Victory winger Elvis Kamsoba speaks of his pride after debuting for his country of birth, Burundi, and competing at the African Cup of Nations and reveals his ambitions for the A-League season ahead.

Elvis Kamsoba with the Burundi national team. Picture: Supplied

Elvis Kamsoba hopes his international debut and African Cup of Nations experience can propel him on to bigger and better things on his return to Melbourne Victory.

The former Avondale FC winger debuted for Burundi in an AFCON warm-up against Tunisia and made one tournament appearance, coming on as a substitute against Nigeria.

After turning down an initial approach from his country of birth, Kamsoba said the opportunity to play in the African Cup of Nations was too big an opportunity to turn down.

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“My aim was to play for the Socceroos but the biggest thing that changed my mind was AFCON and family,” he said.

“AFCON is a pretty big deal, something that I was proud to be involved in.

“I spoke to my mum, a lot of people, but in the end my heart took me there.”

Elvis Kamsoba with the Burundi national team. Picture: Supplied

Elvis Kamsoba with the Burundi national team. Picture: Supplied

It was a big step up for the young winger, who starred in Avondale’s run to the FFA Cup quarter-finals before being signed by Victory in January.

And with Marco Kurz taking over the reins at AAMI Park, Kamsoba has plenty to prove.

“I’m hoping to bring everything I saw and learnt (back to Melbourne Victory),” he said.

“I’m trying to impress the new coach now and he’s the coach that didn’t select me when I trialled in Adelaide.

“Hopefully, I can prove him wrong and do whatever he wants me to do as a player.”

Under Kevin Muscat, Kamsoba played 14 of 16 regular season games as well as one A-League finals and four Asian Champions League appearances.

Elvis Kamsoba in action for Melbourne Victory.

While he is still looking for his maiden A-League goal, the diminutive winger picked up two assists last season.

Kamsoba played 59 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Nigeria and was an unused sub against Madagascar and Guinea.

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Stoke striker Saido Berahino and former Newcastle midfielder Gael Bigirimana taught Kamsoba plenty.

He’s looking forward to cementing his place in the Victory line-up and suiting up for the Swallows in Battle again.

“Burundi, we have a few games coming up for the next African Cup,” he said.

“I’m keen on that one so I’m working hard here because I want to be in the starting XI.

“It’s something that I’m aiming for both at international (level) and also here (Melbourne Victory).”