Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri is back in Edinburgh following his international selection for DR Congo.
Bushiri started in their 1-0 win against South Sudan – playing in the middle of the Leopards’ back three. in his competitive debut, having earned his first cap in September 2023.
After returning to Hibs Training Centre, Bushiri spoke to the press ahead of this weekend’s clash with St Johnstone.
“I am really happy to make my official debut over the international break”, Rocky told the media.
“It was a good moment for me, I loved it and we got a win and a clean sheet – so it was a proud moment for me and my family.
“I have been in the squads for a long time, and I was always there and working hard with the team – and working hard with Hibs, because it was Hibs that brought me there. So I am really happy to get that opportunity and to make my debut.”
Bushiri has gone from strength to strength this season and admits he is enjoying his football now more than ever.
“I enjoy playing in the middle of a back-three and with time I believe I have become a better player.
“I just want to grow as a player. If you compare my performance to last season, I am not the same player. Next season, I want to keep playing and to keep growing and getting better.
“I have struggled in the past with injuries, but I just want to keep growing and look after myself.”
Hibs host St Johnstone this weekend – the first of three games before the split.
David Gray’s side are currently enjoying a 14-match unbeaten run, however, Bushiri insists the team are not getting ahead of themselves.
“Between now and the end of the season it is a very important period for us. We just need to take it step-by-step and game-by-game.
“If you look at where we were at the start of the season, we need to be grateful for every point and three points that we have got up to now.
“We need to stay humble and see where it takes us. I am fully confident that in these last few games, we will try to finish as strongly as possible.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
