Jeremy Brockie doesn’t know when his first goal of the season is going to come, but clearly hopes his luck will turn and that could be today.
The SuperSport United striker has been going through a lean spell in the Absa Premiership games he has played for SuperSport United.
Coach Stuart Baxter has described the New Zealander’s lack of goalmouth action this season as a “handicap” for the team.
“Yes,” Baxter said, “because when he’s scoring, then the team's scoring, but when he’s not, we're not.”
Brockie is hoping to turn things around when his side take on Highlands Park at Lucas Moripe Stadium today (3.30pm).
Not that the striker thinks Highlands are going to be an easy side to beat, given that they are newly-promoted from the National First Division.
But the 29-year-old centre-forward believes it’s about time his side started collecting maximum points in pursuit of finishing a notch above the rest.
SuperSport finished eighth on the PSL log last season, equal on 40 points with Lamontville Golden Arrows, following a 2-2 draw with Orlando Pirates in their final game of the season.
Brockie reckons a similar position this season just won't cut it. As it stands, SuperSport are eighth on the log this season with six points from five games.
“But I believe we are not too far off doing a lot better, ” he said.
“There’s no team that can claim they’ve run away with it in these last few games. The gap is within touching distance and I believe we can catch up.
“It’s about time we started moving up the log. The boys are determined to do just that.
“Everyone is fired up for this one (the match against Highlands) and we have to win it.
“Sure, things haven’t been easy in the last few games, but we are hoping to change all that. It’s time we started winning more.
“We expect a difficult encounter, but I believe we are going to come out with maximum points this time.”
And, though he hasn’t scored a goal this season, Brockie is still hopeful he can walk away with the Golden Boot award by the end of this campaign.
“It’s been quiet, I'll concede that,” Brockie said with a wry smile, clearly trying to hide his frustrations.
“As a striker, you want to get off the mark as soon as possible and I haven’t been able to do that just as yet. Hopefully I’ll get my first goal (today) and things will start flowing.“(Tendai) Ndoro was on fire in the first two games for Orlando Pirates,” Brockie added.
“He scored five goals but he went quiet. It happens to the best of us. Look at (Tottenham Hotspur striker) Harry Kane for example. He had a slow start last season but ended up walking away with the Golden Boot award. Most strikers go through that hot and cold phase.”
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will hope to continue their unbeaten run when they lock horns with Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium today (3.30pm).
Pirates are third on the log with eight points from four games, while Rise and Shine hold fifth spot equal on points with the Buccaneers from five league matches.