Kaizer Chiefs have been forced to rethink their attacking options after injuries to Khanyisa Mayo and Flavio Silva, leaving coach Fernando Da Cruz with limited choices up front.
With both strikers unavailable, Chiefs have increasingly turned to Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro, who is now being given an opportunity to establish himself in the starting line-up.
The 25-year-old returned from injury recently but is still searching for his first goal of the season.
Ighodaro gets his chance at Chiefs
Ighodaro has featured in recent matches as Chiefs look for a reliable source of goals while Mayo and Silva recover.
Although he has yet to find the back of the net, the striker has shown enough to suggest that he can contribute to the team.
His latest opportunity came against Polokwane City, where Ighodaro put in a hardworking display but once again failed to score.
With Chiefs’ other striking options sidelined, Ighodaro is expected to remain an important part of Da Cruz’s plans in the coming matches.
His middle name, Godspower, has also added an interesting twist to the conversation among supporters as Chiefs look to find a solution to their goalscoring problems.
Junior Khanye assesses Ighodaro
Former Chiefs winger Junior Khanye acknowledged that Ighodaro made an impact against Polokwane City but questioned whether the striker offers enough individual quality in the final third.
Khanye’s assessment was that a striker can produce a positive performance without scoring, but should also be capable of creating opportunities through individual skill.
“A striker can put in a solid performance without scoring goals,” Khanye said.
He added that Ighodaro needs to show more in terms of creating space, taking on defenders and getting shots away.
Khanye also suggested that stronger competition for the position could make Ighodaro’s place in the team less secure.
Chiefs need goals
The pressure on Ighodaro comes at a time when Chiefs need to find greater consistency in front of goal.
The Glamour Boys’ most recent league outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City, a result that saw them drop to fourth place in the Betway Premiership after six matches.
The absence of Mayo and Silva has made the situation more challenging, with Chiefs at times having to operate without a recognised striker.
That makes Ighodaro’s role increasingly important until the injured forwards are available again.
Can Chiefs stay in the title race?
Despite their inconsistent start, Chiefs remain within reach of the top of the table because they have games in hand.
The Glamour Boys currently trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by eight points, although Chiefs have played two fewer matches.
That gives Da Cruz’s side an opportunity to close the gap, but dropped points could make their task considerably more difficult as the season progresses.
For now, the focus will be on getting the available attacking options firing.
Ighodaro has the opportunity to make the striker position his own while Mayo and Silva remain sidelined. Whether he can turn his promising performances into goals could prove important for Chiefs in the weeks ahead.
The big question
Can Etiosa Ighodaro provide the goals Kaizer Chiefs need while Khanyisa Mayo and Flavio Silva recover?
