JIMMY Bin Rumanya breathes football, football as in soccer; the world game. The Democratic Republic of Congo native moved to Australia midway through 2009 after civil unrest forced him firstly from his home country and then from Kenya his chosen refuge. It was a case of twice bitten three times shy.

Yet throughout it all, it was the unifying ideology that is soccer and hope of one day finishing his higher education that kept him going despite losing contact with many family and friends. Most of whom he still has not found even today.

“In Kenya I started a soccer training academy for students as it not only helped me channel my energies into something I love but also to give me something positive to focus on,” said Jimmy.

“It was an academy for five to nineteen year olds of all backgrounds but especially vulnerable children,” he said.

“My late father owned a team in the Democratic Republic of Congo so I have been brought up on the beautiful game.

“Soccer is the universal language and it is in my blood.”

But Jimmy’s talents do not end there; he was also a broadcaster and halfway through completing a journalism degree when the internal conflict began. He has also worked as a cameraman as well as a French and IT teacher. He hopes to not only continue his journalism degree but to also bring his soccer knowledge and skills to Australia.

“I have been invited by Heinrich Haussler to be apart of the Joeys FC set up and I am grateful for that,” Jimmy said.

“As a result I can give back to this country and be involved with what I love.

“If Heinrich’s record is anything to go by then between us we can certainly do some great things for soccer in Australia.”

Jimmy Bin Rumanya will be coaching at the Joeys FC clinics to be held from January 7 to 9 this week.