YET again, local strikers failed to surpass the 20 goal mark in the just ended Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
It’s now 13 years since a local striker scored over 20 goals in one season.
The last person to achieve the feat was former Dynamos striker Norman Maroto who scored 22 goals for Gunners in 2010.
Since then, the crop of strikers that has come after him has failed to go beyond 20 goals. Ngezi Platinum forward Takunda Benhura is the 2023 Golden Boot winner with only 13 goals.
Nelson Mazivisa came close with 18 goals in 2012. The following year, Tendai Ndoro also found the net 18 times. CAPS United forward Dominic Chungwa also put in a good shift in 2018 with 17 goals.
But what it is the reason behind the poor scoring rate? Maroto is of the view that perhaps the midfielders are not creating enough chances.
“I feel the chances created for these strikers by their midfielders are not enough; there is less creativity in the midfield, hence the small goal ratio. Strikers thrive on the creativity of their midfielders, and the more you get the clean ball, the more goals you score,” said Maroto.
He also said there is a difference between the modern day striker and the striker in his generation.
“The difference is in the hunger and desire to get goals and the desire to learn the art of scoring by doing extras, working on your weaknesses, and perfecting your strengths. I was obsessed with watching strikers; my computer had clips of strikers, and I wanted to learn how they would make their run, shoot and create space.
“Scoring goals is not as easy as people tend to think. On so many teams, the striker’s department is neglected. I haven’t heard of many teams with striker coaches. With that alone, it says a lot,” said Maroto.
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