Ighodaro targets goals after injury-hit first season at Kaizer Chiefs

Etiosa Ighodaro is determined to make up for lost time at Kaizer Chiefs after injuries restricted him to only six appearances during his first season with the club.

The Nigerian striker has already shown that he can be a prolific threat in the final third. During loan spells at AmaZulu and Chippa United, Ighodaro impressed when given a regular run of matches and demonstrated the finishing ability that made him an important attacking option.

That form, however, proved difficult to reproduce after his move to Kaizer Chiefs. Fitness problems disrupted his campaign and left the 25-year-old frustrated as he spent much of the season away from the team.

With a new season providing a fresh opportunity, Ighodaro is focused on leaving those setbacks behind and rewarding the support of the Amakhosi faithful.

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

The striker believes his pre-season programme has already played an important part in his recovery. Regular involvement in practice matches allowed him to regain match fitness after an extended spell on the sidelines, while also helping him rebuild his confidence.

“I really benefitted 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 said.

Those minutes could prove valuable for Kaizer Chiefs as the club seek more reliability and sharpness in attack. Ighodaro now has the chance to demonstrate the qualities that made him effective during his time with AmaZulu and Chippa United.

He is also aiming to score his first goal for Kaizer Chiefs. Opening his account could provide the lift required to begin his career at Naturena in earnest after an opening campaign dominated by injury concerns.

The forward’s immediate priority is therefore not only to remain fit but also to establish himself as a consistent attacking presence. His first season in the Gold and Black was limited to six appearances, leaving little opportunity to build momentum or develop a sustained run of form.

Pre-season has given him a platform to start again, and Ighodaro is hoping that greater continuity will allow his goalscoring ability to emerge. His previous loan spells showed what he can offer when he is available regularly; the challenge now is to produce that level of performance for Kaizer Chiefs.

After enduring such a difficult first year, the Nigerian will be looking for his second campaign to follow a markedly different path. He is intent on putting his fitness struggles behind him, finding the net and making the Amakhosi supporters proud.