Forest Rangers confirmed the signing of Ghanaian striker Zikiru Adams on Thursday via a post on their official facebook page. The club did not reveal the length of the contract but the ZamFoot crew understands it is a two year permanent deal from Zesco United.
The 24 year old forward came into the limelight after he scored 13 goals in 15 games to help Nchanga Rangers survive relegation after joining them half way through the 2017 season. His goal to game ratio was what caught the eye of everyone.
His target for the season that year was actually 17 goals, Zikiru revealed in an exclusive interview with ZamFoot crew’s Bernard Chama (https://zambianfootball.co.zm/expect-goals-zikiru-adams-exclusive-interview/). The big guns took notice, came calling and he finally settled for Zesco United.
After an excellent start to life in the Zambian league all eyes were on him and alot was expected from the Ghanian forward. At Zesco United he hit the ground running as he produced a master class performance in the first round second leg encounter of the 2018 CAF Champions League game against JKU of Zanzibar.
Zesco United put seven past the Zanzibar out-fit and Zikiru was responsible for over half of those goals, Netting a double brace. Things however changed with the coming in of a new manager, George Lwandamina and an injury that he sustained around the same time Lwandamina came to the helm. This left the Ghanian striker with little on no game time.
FOREST RANGERS MOVE.
After initially being linked with a move to NAPSA having started training with the Mohamed Fathi tutored side, Zikiru settled for Forest Rangers as the pensioners failed to agree with him on certain terms of his contract.
Forest Rangers under Perry Mutapa have been known to use young players but Zikiru comes in as a already made player ready to deliver and will definitely add some quality to the Rangers attacking options.
After failing to impress at Zesco United he now has to prove to his critics that he is not a one hit wonder. The major problem at Zesco United was lack of game time which he is expected to get under Mutapa at Forest Rangers.
Playing for a big club like Zesco United comes with alot of pressure and expectations which may take its toll on players. At Forest Rangers however he will have the luxury of playing his game with a free mind as less is expected from him as compared to Zesco United who are constantly pushing to win trophies.
Can he regain his deadly Nchanga Rangers form that brought him to prominence is the big question but only time will tell. Forest Rangers will however be hoping he can quickly get into gear as they embark on the journey of the transitional league in 16 days time.
Forest are in the Even numbers Zone with the likes of Nkana, Green Eagles, Power dynamos and Mighty Mufulira wanderers.
