Genk attacking midfielder Mike Trésor Ndayishimiye is the winner of the 32nd Ebony Shoe award. The trophy is handed to the best player from Africa or of African descent in the Belgian Pro League.
This season Trésor has featured 40 times in all competitions for Genk. With 8 goals and 23 assists, no one has been involved in more goals this season than the talented 23-year-old. Trésor kicked off his career in Anderlecht’s youth academy before moving to the Netherlands in 2018. The versatile midfielder played 29 times for NEC Nijmegen and then moved to Willem II. After impressing in the Netherlands, Trésor returned to Belgium to play for Genk. This season he’s been outstanding as Genk continue their push for the Pro League title.
Trésor was eligible for the Ebony Shoe Award because his father, an ex-footballer, comes from Burundi. Trésor was selected by a professional jury, journalists and coaches. Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was chosen for second place. He’s had a super season with Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists this season. Gent’s Gift Orban was selected for third place. The 20-year-old Nigerian striker has scored 20 goals in 20 appearances this season.
After winning the award Trésor said ‘I am overjoyed. This is a reward for the season we are having with Genk. I especially hoped that someone from Genk would win.’ The midfielder was handed the trophy in front of his teammates Joseph Paintsil and Bilal El Khannouss. ‘I also want to thank the fellow players, staff and club. For my career this is very important. You already have a lot of good African players here. This shows the way to others and can give them a push.’
Trésor shut down rumours of a potential summer transfer. He added that his ultimate aim is breaking into the Belgian national team. ‘A transfer? My focus is not on that at the moment. I do have big ambitions, though. The Red Devils are a big team that participates in big tournaments. That remains my goal.’ Genk have two games remaining this season. They face Club Brugge next before taking on Antwerp in a potential title decider.
