Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to move forwards and that has been the case for Powfil Raposo at Kidlington.
The 26 year-old has been in sparkling form since joining the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club earlier this season with seven goals and two assists from his opening eight games in all competitions.
Not bad considering that he only started playing regular non-League football two years ago.
“I played grassroots football up to the age of 16,” he told us. “I kind of drifted away from playing regularly until two years ago when I joined MK Irish.
“It was there that I came under the wing of Terry Shrieves and he really helped to develop my game and get me on the right track.
“It was a good club to be involved with but after just over a year, I decided to drop down to Step 6 with Wellingborough Whitworths in order to play regularly up front.
“That move did me the power of good and I would recommend to any player who is not getting regular game time to drop down a level or play for the reserves because nothing beats having the opportunity to play week in, week out.
“You learn a lot about yourself and the player you are in doing so, and it earned me a move back into Step 5 with Sileby Rangers, from where I was spotted by Craig McKay earlier this season and he brought me into Step 4 at Kidlington, where things have started really well.
“I am excited to see where this season takes us; the club is in safe hands off the pitch and there’s a talented group of players on the pitch who are starting to show what they are capable of, as Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Enfield demonstrates.
“I’m really enjoying my football at the minute and it was nice to contribute with two goals at the weekend to help us get the win.
“We haven’t started the season as well as we would have liked, but recent results have showed that we are heading in the right direction.
“The fans have been unreal; they have given me and the team such fantastic backing. You see the same faces home and away and they really motivate us to give extra effort; their passion for the club is infectious.
“To be able to celebrate victories with them, as we did after the final whistle on Saturday, is what it’s all about.
“Going into the game, we knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but the Gaffer and his staff gave us a tremendous amount of information and they also do the extra individual bits to make sure that everyone understands what they need to do.
“When everyone does their bit, coaching staff, players and fans, we can be more than a match for anyone in this League.
“It’s a very strong and competitive division; every week you see surprising results, which make it even more exciting!
“I’ve recently come up from Step 5 and you instantly see the difference in the intensity and physicality of this League. You simply can’t take your foot off the gas at any time or else you will get punished and that’s whether you are playing opponents near the top of in the lower reaches of the table.”
So, what qualities does Raposo feel that he has brought to the team?
“I feel like I bring a presence up top,” he said. “I can also help the team move up the pitch with my hold-up play and winning my duels.
“Although this League is very physical and intense, I do think that it plays perfectly with my style of play. My work-rate on the pitch is definitely a quality I bring to the team and it’s something that is matched by those around me.
“We have talent all over the pitch, from the tricky wingers, to the skipper, Zarius Edwards, in midfield and also having a solid back-line brings calmness to the team and allows the attacking players like myself to get forward with more confidence.
“There is definitely enough ability here for us to thrive in this League; we’re on a decent run at the moment and if we can find a level of consistency to our performances, then there is no reason why we can’t keep climbing up the table.
“Personally, I just want to continue scoring goals and making assists. I haven’t got a specific target in mind, but to get 15+ in my first season in the Southern League would make me happy.”
Two home games in quick succession are coming up this week as they host Hadley on Wednesday evening before taking on Leverstock Green on Saturday.
IMAGE: @Duncan_eames
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