HAVING netted five goals in five games so far this season, red-hot Waterhouse striker Atapharoy Bygrave has indicated that his main focus is to hit the 30-goal mark in this year’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL) competition.

Bygrave, 30, who joined Waterhouse from Mount Pleasant Academy this summer, was the top scorer in the JPL in the 2021-2022 season for Dunbeholden, with 13 goals. He told the Jamaica Observer that he has really been enjoying his football at Waterhouse this season, which has contributed to his excellent form for the club. Despite never scoring more than 13 goals in a JPL season, he believes that if he continues to work hard on his craft he can definitely achieve his 30-goal target this year.

“I am feeling very elated with my performances so far this season, because in everything that you do you have to put God first in it,” Bygrave said. “The hard work continues for me because I just have to follow the coach’s instructions, pay attention to details, and trust the process. My target for this season is 30 goals, and if I can get more than that it will be a plus for me.”

Bygrave highlighted that one of the major factors contributing to his rich vein of form this season is the camaraderie among the players, along with the positive vibes and energy in the team.

“The big difference for me is that the players trust me, and they have been working with me as I have been working with them — and that is why we have been winning our matches,” Bygrave emphasised. “Being at Waterhouse is like being in a family because they welcomed each new player, and my aim is to help the club win the title.”

Interestingly, Bygrave has scored all five goals registered by Waterhouse so far this season. His latest strike came on Monday night when he netted a 54th-minute goal to secure a 1-0 win over visitors Harbour View at Waterhouse Mini Stadium. The victory marked Waterhouse’s fourth win from five games this season.

Bygrave, who has four caps for the national team, also hopes his performances will earn him a recall to the Reggae Boyz set-up. He also had a seven-month stint with the Vietnamese club Ho Chi Minh City Football Club in the 2022 season, from May to December.

“It is always good to represent your country. I have done it before, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will get a call again,” he stated. “I know I still have a lot to offer the team, and I am hoping it will happen because I also want to get a contract overseas.”