Etiosa Ighodaro has been handed a clear warning ahead of the new season: goals will be crucial if he wants to win over the Kaizer Chiefs faithful.
The Nigerian striker arrived at Naturena with expectations on his shoulders, but injuries and limited opportunities have made his first spell with Amakhosi a difficult one.
With competition for attacking positions increasing, former Maritzburg United striker Obinna Okafor believes Ighodaro must find his scoring boots quickly if he is to establish himself at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Ighodaro needs a breakthrough season
The 25-year-old joined Chiefs after previously being on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, but his progress has been disrupted by a series of injuries.
In fewer than 10 appearances for Amakhosi, Ighodaro has managed just one goal, leaving questions about whether he can consistently deliver at Naturena.
The pressure is unlikely to decrease this season.
Chiefs have strengthened their attacking options, with Khanyisa Mayo making his move permanent while Flavio Da Silva has also shown an ability to contribute goals.
That competition means Ighodaro cannot afford another slow start.
‘He is under pressure’
Okafor believes Ighodaro has little room for error as he attempts to convince both the coaching staff and supporters that he belongs at Chiefs.
The former striker acknowledged that injuries have made life difficult for the Nigerian but warned that the expectations at Amakhosi are extremely high.
For a club with such a massive and demanding fan base, strikers are often judged primarily on one thing: goals.
Ighodaro therefore faces the challenge of turning his opportunities into consistent contributions.
The supply problem
While the striker must take responsibility for his finishing, Okafor also highlighted another important factor — the quality of service available to the forward.
A striker can only be effective if the team creates enough opportunities for him.
Chiefs will need to build a system that allows Ighodaro and their other attackers to receive quality chances in dangerous areas.
That could be particularly important under the club’s new coaching setup.
Four competitions could give Ighodaro his chance
There is, however, reason for optimism.
Chiefs are competing across four competitions, meaning the club is likely to require significant squad rotation throughout the campaign.
That could provide Ighodaro with plenty of opportunities to prove himself.
A few early goals could quickly change the narrative surrounding the striker and give him the confidence needed to kick-start his Chiefs career.
But if the goals remain elusive, pressure from the supporters is likely to intensify.
Can Ighodaro silence the doubters?
Ighodaro still has time to change the story.
His injury problems are behind him, opportunities should come, and Chiefs will need goals from every available attacking option.
The question is whether the Nigerian can turn those opportunities into the goals that could secure his future at Naturena.
This season could be make-or-break for Ighodaro at Kaizer Chiefs.
