Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MICHAEL Tapera has rediscovered his scoring touch in knock-out football, but the FC Hunters forward knows the bigger challenge is carrying those goals into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Tapera has scored in successive cup competitions, finding the net in both the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and Chibuku Super Cup, while managing just two league goals.
That return has left his pre-season target of 10 league goals looking increasingly remote.
“My target at the beginning of the season was to get to 10 goals or even go beyond that, but looking at where we are now, I have to admit it has become difficult,” Tapera said.
“I haven’t scored as many goals in the league as I would have wanted.
“As a forward, you always want to contribute with goals, so obviously I would have wanted better numbers at this stage.
“But I am not giving up on the target. There are still games to play, and my focus is on taking every opportunity that comes my way. Football can change very quickly once you start scoring consistently.”
His cup goals have restored some confidence, but Tapera knows his league return remains the bigger measure of his season.
“Scoring in the cup games has given me confidence because, as an attacking player, goals always help you,” he said.
“The challenge now is to take that confidence into the league. I don’t want to be scoring only in cup competitions.
