Ighodaro determined to make his mark after frustrating Kaizer Chiefs debut season

Kaizer Chiefs forward Etiosa Ighodaro says he is determined to move on from an injury-disrupted first season at Naturena and show supporters what he can do during the 2026/27 campaign.

The 25-year-old Nigerian striker joined Amakhosi in August 2025 but found it difficult to establish himself after a series of persistent fitness problems. His first year at the club was limited to six appearances in all competitions, with Ighodaro scoring once and providing no assists.

The lack of regular football proved particularly difficult for the forward, who has now spoken publicly about the frustration of spending so much of his debut campaign on the sidelines.

“Last season was quite frustrating for me because of injuries,” Ighodaro told the club’s media.

“That is behind me now, and I am looking forward to a great season. Hopefully, you’ll see the best of me. I am pushing myself hard to make the Club and the supporters proud.”

Ighodaro is under pressure to contribute more in the current season, although he has yet to score or provide an assist in his opening appearances of the 2026/27 campaign.

He said the club’s pre-season programme was important in helping him regain confidence and build up his match fitness after playing so little last term.

“I really benefited from pre-season because I didn’t play a lot last season, so I needed the minutes in the practice games to build my confidence,” he added.

The forward faces strong competition for a place in Kaizer Chiefs’ attack. Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman and Wandile Duba are among the players competing for a starting role in the frontline.

Ighodaro’s task has been made more difficult by the way the goals have been shared so far this season. Much of Kaizer Chiefs’ attacking output has come from midfielders and wide players rather than central strikers, with Siphesihle Ndlovu and Maboe both finding the net.

The Soweto club will have an immediate chance to improve their attacking form when they host Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:30.

Kaizer Chiefs go into the fixture after a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay, meaning victory at home is considered important as Amakhosi look to collect all three points and give their forward line a lift.

For Ighodaro, the match represents another opportunity to put his difficult first season behind him and begin making a greater contribution to the club that signed him in August 2025.