Substituted on the hour mark in Rotherham United’s 2-2 draw with Newport County, Jili Buyabu was reassured by his manager Alex Bruce, who dismissed any concern over the Congolese player’s physical condition.
On matchday 12 of League Two, Rotherham United were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Newport County. Named in the starting line-up on the left flank at the New York Stadium, Jili Buyabu left the pitch on the hour mark, replaced by Klaidi Lolos, as his side failed to protect the lead they had built early in the game.
The Congolese full-back or left midfielder’s withdrawal gave supporters cause for concern. Alex Bruce, however, was emphatic in his press conference: “Jili’s okay”, he said, according to the Rotherham Advertiser. The change was a purely tactical decision.
A blistering start, then a slump
Rotherham had nevertheless made an ideal start to the game. Paul Mullin, from the penalty spot, and Aaron Nemane put them 2-0 up after just 12 minutes. In that opening spell, Buyabu also looked dangerous with a shot from distance.
What followed was more difficult for Rotherham: in the second half, Newport County came back and snatched a point.
A loan spell at Rotherham to prove himself
At 23, Jili Buyabu is currently on loan from Sheffield United and now plays for Rotherham. After a successful season at Forest Green Rovers, where he scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists, the Congolese full-back continues his development in the English fourth tier.
This season he has already racked up 982 minutes of playing time in League Two, a substantial workload. The draw ends a run of four straight defeats and lifts Rotherham out of the relegation zone, a welcome breath of fresh air.
Hall a concern, Shrewsbury up next
Rotherham, however, are not quite done with bad news. Versatile defender Denzel Hall picked up a calf injury in the 84th minute of the match.
The schedule offers little respite: Rotherham United will host Shrewsbury Town this Saturday, 24 October 2026, at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, on matchday 13 of League Two.