I don’t go chasing records, team’s success is important for me: Hyderabad FC: Bartholomew Ogbeche

Hyderabad FC’s new signing Bartholomew Ogbeche has stated that he doesn’t chase records and his aim is to be instrumental in the success of the team. Ogbeche has made a move to Hyderabad FC from defending champions Mumbai City for the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League.

The Nigerian is the third highest goal-scorer in the tournament as he scored 35 goals in 57 matches he has played. Ferran Corominas is the leading goal-scorer of the tourney as the former FC Goa striker had netted 48 goals in only 57 matches whereas Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri has scored 47 goals in 94 matches.

Bartholomew Ogbeche had scored 12 goals in 18 matches in the 2018-19 season for NorthEast United FC and then scored 15 goals in 16 matches of the 2019-20 season for Kerala Blasters. The forward scored eight goals in the previous season of Hero ISL and played a key role in the success of Mumbai City FC.

“I don’t go chasing records, to be honest. What is on my mind first and foremost is the team’s success. In this case, HFC have never made it to the semis. This time the target is to make the semis, one step at a time. I have no doubt that I will score goals. I just hope that I score many goals, many more than I have scored before in the Hero ISL. And if I happen to match or beat his record, that will be awesome. But chasing records is never on my mind. What’s on my mind is chasing records with my team; making history with my team,” Ogbeche said on the latest episode of Football United.

Ogbeche admitted that there will be pressure on him to deliver for Hyderabad FC but it could work in the right way.

“I would be lying if I say there is no pressure. Of course, there is pressure. It has to be channelled the right way. It has to add to your motivation, it has to add to your drive of wanting to be successful, the will to win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad had won six matches out of their 20 games in the previous season and had just missed out on the semi-final berth.

The eighth season of the tournament is expected to begin from November 19 in Goa.