VANCOUVER – The UBC men's soccer team has signed a student-athlete who promises to be a dynamic piece of their attack in the 2017 season. Victory Shumbusho moved to Canada four years ago from the Democratic Republic of Congo and settled in Chilliwack, BC. He's spent a portion of the last year in the Whitecaps FC residency program before signing with the Thunderbirds.
 
"I'm very excited and hoping to have a very successful season," said Shumbusho. "I think I can help the team improve and they can help me improve as a player and as a person."
 
Airtight defence and goaltending, but stretches of inconsistent scoring were prevalent in UBC's 2016 season. UBC head coach Mike Mosher is decisive in explaining what role he sees Shumbusho taking up with the 'Birds.


 
"He can score goals. I think he will be able to score goals at this level, plain and simple.  He's quick, he's powerful and I think one of the most important pieces is he has an outstanding work rate," said Mosher. "We are always looking for forwards that want to go hunt the ball when we don't have it. We had that with Gagan Dosanjh for years and he really set the tone. I think Victory can be exactly the same guy."
 
Gagan Dosanjh led the Thunderbirds to the 2012 CIS Championship where he scored four goals in three games. He also earned the Bus Phillips Memorial Trophy in 2013 as UBC's Male Athlete of the Year. If Shumbusho can come anywhere near to matching Dosanjh's lofty resume in the 'Blue and Gold', then Mosher has truly discovered a real gem for the program.


 
Shumbusho isn't looking to far ahead. He's simply enjoying playing the game at this stage of his four-year 14-thousand kilometre journey from DRC to Point Grey.
 
"I feel like I'm blessed," explained Shumbusho. "I've tried everything since I was little playing soccer and I think it's paying off. I feel blessed and I'm happy to be here."
 
Shumbusho will see his first action for the Thunderbirds on August 16, when UBC plays SFU in an exhibition game. The Canada West season begins August 25 with a home match against UFV.