Kaizer Chiefs forward Flavio Silva has made it clear to his teammates that while he isn’t “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”, he’s confident in his ability to find the back of the net in the Betway Premiership, provided he receives the right service.
Silva notched his eighth goal of the season in all competitions during the 2-0 victory against TS Galaxy on Sunday. He is eager to hit double figures when the Chiefs face Magesi FC on Wednesday as they aim for their fifth consecutive win.
“I’m feeling good, and I’m even more delighted with these four back-to-back wins. It’s beneficial for the team and everyone associated with the club,” Silva stated. “I have no complaints. This is the kind of environment I thrive in. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of playing for a club like this – a major club that carries significant pressure.”
“For me, it’s a dream to play for such a club. The pressure is positive, and it comes with great responsibility, but it’s the kind of pressure I enjoy.”
Silva mentioned that he doesn’t take fan criticism personally, acknowledging that he is aware he will be evaluated based on his goal-scoring performance.
“As long as the criticism isn’t personal, it’s all good. It indicates that perhaps I’m not performing at my best and need to improve. When I’m on form, I know the fans will acknowledge me, show respect, and give me their support. So, for me, it’s not an issue; it’s part and parcel of the sport.”
He recognises his particular playing style as a striker, thriving in and around the penalty area, and asserts that with the right service, he will deliver goals.
“It’s always about teamwork. I constantly communicate with my teammates, telling them I can score goals, but I’m not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. I won’t be dribbling past three or four defenders to score myself.”
“I make my runs, and they need to find me. I have faith in them. It’s all about the team.”
“Of course, we cannot ease off until the final whistle. If I can net 20 goals, I’ll strive for 22. There’s no limit.”
As the Chiefs aim for a third-place finish and CAF Confederation Cup qualification for the upcoming season, Silva believes there’s still more to achieve.
“Personally, I’m not entirely satisfied. I can’t say I’m fully happy, but the situation is better now compared to last season when the club was facing difficulties,” he explained. “However, it’s still not enough considering the stature of this club. The least we should aim for is to compete with the top teams. I believe we’re getting closer, but there’s still a way to go. It’s a process.”
Chiefs secured a 2-0 win against Magesi last month, but Silva asserts that Wednesday’s match will be a different challenge.
“Yes, we carry good memories from that game, but that’s in the past. We’re back to fight for three points because we have high ambitions,” he noted.
“We respect them and won’t underestimate them. They have their goals, wanting to secure their place in the PSL for next season. However, we also have our aspirations, with ambitions to qualify for CAF and finish in the top three.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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