5th April, 2012
Sharks of Port Harcourt’s midfielder, Gomo Onduku, is one of the underrated wingers in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). In this interview with SuperSport.com, the former league champion with Bayelsa United talks about his performance so far this season and Sharks football club’s target to end their trophy less campaign in the NPL
What’s the feeling like after your impressive performance lately for Sharks?
I’m very, very happy with my progress this season and I believe it can only get better as the season continues.
Should we expect more goals from you as the season progresses?
Of course. It’s just unfortunate that we did not start the league well this season. We had some ups and downs but we are trying to put our acts together now. And I hope to register more goals by God’s grace.
And what do you make of your winning goal against Heartland in your last match?
Actually, I was very confident of getting a goal in the match, considering the fact that we have not lost to them in their home for two seasons now. So when we arrived (in Calabar for the game) that was the first thing that came to my mind. And eventually I got a goal in the match, and more importantly, we were able to get a win.
At some point in the season, Bright Ejike seemed to be the only player scoring the goals for Sharks, were you worried that you couldn’t share in that responsibility?
I was not worried because I’ve provided assists for three of his goals. Ejike is a great striker no doubt, but I always tell him to compose himself because I believe that he will be among the highest goalscorers this season. And I know my own time would come.
Don’t you think the absence of Victor Ezeji has affected your team’s goal scoring ability this season?
I don’t really agree with that. He is the most brilliant striker I’ve seen in the NPL, and I must admit that we are missing him now, but we still have players who are capable of filling the big space he has left.
Sharks have never won the league and the FA Cup in Nigeria, what are you guys doing to end this spell?
Actually I am really worried about the fact that my club have not won any major trophy in the country. Though as a player I won the league with my former team, Bayelsa United. Personally, my aim is to win the FA Cup (now known as the Federation Cup) with Sharks this season.
Are you saying Sharks’ most realistic chance of winning a trophy this season is in the FA Cup?
Not actually, but personally that’s my aim. Last season, having just returned from trials in South Africa, I wanted to win the FA Cup with Sharks. We did well and infact I scored three goals in the group stage but unfortunately we lost to Ocean Boys in the quarterfinals. So this season, I am hoping we can realise that dream and secure the trophy.
In your own view, which teams would you tip to win the league?
I will give it to Rangers or Enyimba. Since the league is still open so I will include Sharks too.