– Portmore striker East sets RSPL targets
Portmore United striker Javon East, who assumed the lead for the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) Golden Boot on the last match day, said his improved form this season is down to him being more focused.
East, who burst on the scene in the 20152016 season, scored 10 goals to help Portmore to the final, but had a major dip in form last season, only netting seven times over the campaign.
But despite a slow start to this campaign, the 22-year-old has gradually picked up form and against the University of West Indies (UWI), he netted his 11th goal of the season, surpassing his previous best, to lead the goalscoring charts.
“Last season I had a late start and I was not focused as a striker. I know my ability and I was very poor. But I looked at my mistakes and where I went wrong, so I can be a better player this season.
“This season I am focused more on what a striker normally does. I do a lot of finishing after training and the extra work is paying off,” he said.
“I am also more focused on the team and the more I focus on the team, (good) things happen. But the players who are regulars have to have what it takes to play with the ball and without the ball, and that is helping my game. So doing more work without the ball is helping me to score,” he added.
GOLDEN BOOT
The left-footer face tough competition for the goalscoring title from Reno’s Craig Foster (10), Arnett Gardens’ Fabian Reid (10), UWI’s Ryan Miller (9) and teammate Ricardo Morris (9). However, he is not paying too much attention to winning the Golden Boot award, but instead, wants to help Portmore lift their first title since 2012.
“I am not focusing on the leading scorer (title). I already have double digits, so I am looking for 20 plus (goals). But as long as I am injury-free and in the (starting) 11, I believe I can help the team a lot. We are here to stay on top of the league, that is the main focus. So I have to push myself for the rest of the season to make sure I earn my spot (in the team),” he said. The striker also believes his best is yet to come. “I expected it (good form). But I had to work hard. But I think I can do more because of the talent I have, and you are going to see more things happen this year,” he assured.