New AmaZulu FC forward Etiosa Ighodaro has been thrown from pillar to post since he arrived in South Africa about three years ago, but the Nigerian striker opts to focus on the positives of the unenviable situation.
Ighodaro landed in Mzansi in July 2021 after sealing a lucrative move to Mamelodi Sundowns from Abuja College in his homeland.
But the player has never really donned the yellow and blue of the South African champions.
Instead, the 23-year-old had to endure being loaned out each season to clubs including the University of Pretoria, Chippa United, SuperSport United and most recently joined Usuthu in Durban.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday to preview their upcoming game against Kaizer Chiefs, Ighodaro said he gained a lot of experience from the situation and believes his loan to AmaZulu could be his best move yet.
“It has been nice to play at these different clubs because it comes with invaluable experience,” Ighodaro said.
“But I really love the setup at AmaZulu. It’s a very professional club and they are a club that plays to my strength.”
During his time with Usuthu, the player hopes to bang in goals and help the club achieve a top-four finish in the Betway Premiership and return to the African football stage.
“As part of my goals this season, I’m looking forward to scoring more than I did last season,” Ighodaro said.
“I feel in the last season I was limited by game time, but I know I really need to work hard here and help the team by scoring goals.
“My target is to score more goals than I did last season and compete, come weekends I should be there on the (scoresheet).”
Thank you Jesus for giving me another opportunity to showcase my talent🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cofo9cbALG
— Etiosa ighodaro🇳🇬 (@EtiosaIghodaro) July 29, 2024
During his stint at SuperSport, the striker featured 24 times in the league, mostly from the bench, and contributed five goals and two assists.
The Nigerian also found the back of the net thrice in the Caf Confederation Cup.
He had his most successful season in the South African top tier with Chippa, where he scored 11 goals and provided a single assist.
The player opened his account at AmaZulu after he scored on debut during the 2-1 defeat to Polokwane City at the weekend.
“It has boosted my confidence going into the next game. I’m really happy, but the work is not done,” he said.
“I need to keep working hard but it’s a confidence booster going forward.”
Usuthu’s game against Chiefs will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday, September 25.
The match will kick off at 19:30. Tickets for the game are sold at Ticket Pro for R60.00.
