Despite so much pressure, current Debmarine Premiership top goal-scorer Giovanni Kaninab said he has what it takes to end the season on top.

The Shandumbala-based outfit’s striker, who has amassed a total of nine goals this season, stated that he is happy to be the leading scorer in the topflight league. 

“I am happy to be on top. It’s a feeling I can’t explain, but it’s a tricky position as well because you now know that defenders will look out for you in any game,” he said.

Kaninab is first, followed by KK Palace’s Jasper Masialeti, who has six goals so far this season. 

Paulus Amutenya of Unam comes in third with six goals. 

Nguza Salazar comes fourth with a total of six goals.

Despite being on top with nine goals, the 20-year-old player said it comes with a lot of pressure. 

“I am now a big target for defenders because they are aware that I am the guy who makes scoring look easy. I know there is pressure on me as a player as well. This puts me in a position where I have to constantly improve myself as a player. I would need to score in every match I play in to ensure I remain in the lead,” he said. 

“I would like to end the 2024/25 league season as the top goal-scorer. I think it’s a target I can easily reach. I have the support from my teammates, technical staff and everyone at the club. With such support, I believe my target is achievable,” he said.

Kelly Asser, the head of football at Tigers, hailed Kaninab as being the most humble and hardworking player in the league.

He added that he foresees him reaching greater heights in the future.

“He is the most hardworking player I know. He is that type of player you wouldn’t notice on the field of play – only when he scores. So, such players are deadly. I believe he is talented. Being number one is not something that has caught us by surprise. We knew what he is capable of. We have been tracking him since last year,” Asser said.

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na