Enugu Rangers’ Godwin Zaki craves for more game time

Enugu Rangers’ Godwin Zaki says he is not satisfied with his bit-part role for the Flying Antelopes in the Nigerian top-flight this season, but he is not complaining as those preferred ahead of him have done fantastically well thus far.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s men are the pacesetters in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Group A with 31 points from 16 games, after losing only one game from 14 league matches.

They are on target to win a record eighth league title at the end of the season based on current form, and Zaki said that he is hopeful that he will be given more playing time as the season continues.

“Of course no player will be happy with not playing but I don’t think I have any reason to complain because those that have been picked have been doing very well,” Zaki told Goal.

“I know I have been not played many games at all but it has been a team performance thus far with the support we have been given one another either as starters or those on the bench. I know that football is about the statistics you have accumulated but that has counted against me. I will keep on working harder.

“It was awesome winning the Federation Cup title with Rangers last season and we have been doing well this season in the league.

"It was unfortunate that we had to drop out of the Caf Confederation Cup at the group stage because, at the beginning of the season, we set targets for ourselves. We said we would like to win the league title and also go far in the Caf Confederation Cup.

“We are doing well in the league and are hopeful that we can win it. We have been very difficult to beat this season because we work in unison. The management and the state government have been doing a good job to keep the team happy.”

The former Abia Warriors striker disclosed that he will continue to do his best, but may have to review his future with the Flying Antelopes at the end of the season.

“I will continue to remain hopeful that I will still play a few more games before the end of the season,” Zaki continued.

“Even if I am unable to, the major point is for the team to be doing well. I also pray that we continue to keep up with our impressive outing but as a player, you will also like to be involved. We are set to end the season well and I will like to be part of it on the pitch.”

Zaki has only featured once in the league from the 14 games his team has played this season, and has often been an unused substitute.