Charles Lokolingoy only has one thing on his mind.
Having played 71 minutes in 11 total A-League appearances across two seasons, the young striker is desperate to score his first A-League goal.
Lokolingoy will get his next chance when Sydney FC host bitter rivals Melbourne Victory at Jubilee Oval on Sunday.
The ‘Big Blue’ clash at Kogarah will be played as a double header alongside a W-League fixture between the clubs, with Sydney FC officials expecting a sell out crowd as the club play the first of seven home A-League matches at the venue, their major temporary home this season.
And Lokolingoy will be hoping to take the opportunity to break his duck.
The 21-year-old almost opened his account with a late chance against Newcastle last time out, only for Jets goalkeeper Glen Moss to deny him what would have been the winner and his maiden A-League goal.
But far from being disheartened, Lokolingoy told the Leader he was confident his luck was about to change.
“Even in NPL I went through stages where I didn’t score for four or five games. Once that first one goes in you can start going on a run of goals. You never know, as long as it goes in and you get that confidence,” he said.
“It will be a good feeling. Once you get that first one they all start coming. So that’s my main goal, to get that first one. I know my ability so once I get that first one they’ll start coming.
“[Coach] Steve [Corica] and the whole squad believe in me. Obviously I’m young. Now it’s time to show [my ability]. It’s time for me to deliver as well and contribute to the team.
“Steve is an unbelievable coach. I’ve had him since the youth team. He picked me from there. For me he’s always the same. He gives you the structure on the field and all the things you need as a striker. He’s definitely helped me a lot to get to this stage.
“I just want to play as much as I can. The main thing for me now is to get a goal. Last week I missed a good chance but hopefully this week I’ll get one of those chances and finish it off.”
Lokolingoy is no stranger to Jubilee Oval, having played there in his NPL days with the Sutherland Sharks.
The striker spent two seasons in the shire, progressing rapidly through under-18s and under-20s football to the first team where he was picked up by Sydney FC.
He went on to help the Sky Blues win the 2015-16 National Youth League competition under Corica and alongside another Sutherland Sharks product in Jacob Tratt.
A week off for the international break has allowed Sydney FC to regroup after their disappointing 1-1 draw with the Jets in a game they dominated.
And Lokolingoy believes it will be another big occasion against Victory.
“We definitely needed the week off after a heavy schedule. We’ll be a lot fresher this time and ready to go,” he said.
“It’s our first home game at Jubilee. We’re very excited. Hopefully we’re going to give our best performance.
“I’ve played here before with Sutherland Sharks. I had a great time [there]. That’s where I got started and then signed for Sydney FC. I had a really good season for Sutherland got a trial with Sydney FC and took my chances.
“It’s an unbelievable field, it’s very good. I’m quite used to it having played here before and the pitch will be even better on Sunday. I’m definitely buzzing for it.
“We’re expecting a big crowd. Maybe a sell out. And we’ll definitely deliver.”
Lokolingoy and Sutherland Sharks junior Cameron Devlin joined Matildas star Chloe Logarzo at Carlton South Public School on Monday morning.
Sydney FC held a fan day at Kogarah on Sunday, with hundreds of fans turning out to meet the club’s A-League and W-League squads.
The W-League match kicks off at 2.30pm on Sunday, with the A-League match to follow at 5pm.