HENRICO Botes reached yet another milestone for Platinum Stars on Tuesday night, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.
Botes, who earlier this month helped his side to a historic MTN 8 Cup triumph, netted his 28th goal for the club on 68 minutes against Mpumalanga Black Aces in a South African Premiership match, which eventually ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Namibian international came off the bench to net the goal that moved him past Dingane Masanabo on the club’s all-time leading scorers list.
“I'm very happy. Even if it's just 28 goals,” Botes told The Namibian Sport yesterday.
“For me, personal glory is not a priority. The team's success comes first. My game is more than just scoring. I help to bring others into the game and create chances for others to score. It is something I take pride in. Last season I had the most assists in the PSL."
The veteran striker enjoyed an excellent campaign with Platinum Stars last season, proving prolific in goals and assists departments, and has continued to torment rival defences this term.
While his efforts last season ended without the reward of silverware, this campaign has already seen Stars win the MTN 8 when they defeated Caf Champions League finalists Orlando Pirates in a penalty shoot-out.
And Botes, who last week netted the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Maritzburg to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout, believes Platinum Stars want to add more silverware to their cabinet this season.
“It's always nice to win a final, especially to beat a big club like Pirates,” Botes said.
“We have a good squad. I'm confident we can win another title. For now hopefully we can get to the semis and then we'll be closer to another final.”
PRESSURE
The Rehoboth-native said his side's recent success means there is added expectation to keep winning and that they now receive special attention from opponents.“
Teams are now taking notice of us. They plan and play more carefully when they face Platinum Stars. People want to beat winners. When you win you create pressure for yourself. But it's better to have this pressure than relegation pressure” he said.
At 33, Botes has reached a stage when most footballers contemplate retirement, however he believes he still has a lot to offer. He has mostly been limited to substitute's role this season, owing to a spate of niggling injuries and the good form of current first choice striker Siphelele Mthembu.
“I'm over the injuries. I'm in good shape and ready to fight for my position,” he said. “Many people will say 'he's 33 and finished'. I'm not. I feel good and I feel strong. I want to help my team. I want to keep improving my game and hopefully score more goals to improve my record for the club.”
The pursuit of more club acclaim means Botes will miss Friday's MTC Namibia Sport Awards in Windhoek as he will be facing former employers Moroka Swallows in a league match in Johannesburg.
Nonetheless he said he was honoured to be nominated for the Sports Achiever of the Year award, which also features boxers Harry Simon and Paulus Ambunda and equestrian rider Adrian Combrink as nominees.
“I really wish I could be there but I have a match on Friday. I'm really honoured to be recognised by my country. Just to be among these guys is already an achievement for me. I wish all the best to all of the nominated athletes,” Botes said.
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