Marc Stamp, STAR Writer

Arnett Gardens FC men's senior football team penalty taker Andrew Phang admitted that it not an easy job to score the 12-yard kick, especially in front of the home fans in the 'Jungle'.

Last Sunday, Phang converted his third penalty kick of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season against Montego Bay United in a 1-1 draw at Anthony Spaulding Complex in Trench Town, St Andrew. Phang scored in the 37th minute, but that goal was cancelled by Dino Williams, who also converted from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.

"Well, it kind of rough at times to take the penalty, but I always remain calm and execute for the team. On Sunday, looking around the 'Complex' I saw that the people were depending on me to score. And I did that. It was the first time we scored against MoBay for the season,"Phang, Arnett's designated penalty taker, told STAR Sports.

"That goal was Phang's third from the penalty spot and fifth of the season.

"My target for the season is 13 goals, so I am hoping to put away more goals as I have been getting some chances," the diminutive attacking midfielder said.

His coach, Jerome Waite, believes that Phang is a technically good player, but needs to be more consistent.

"Phang is technically sound and has a good understanding of the game. He has been up and down, still needs to be consistent," Waite said.

Phang said the coach's assessment is right.

My role is also to provide opportunities for others to score and defend as well. I need to improve in every game as I have been up and down," he stated.

Phang has great respect for Waite, who also guided him during his Manning Cup days at Charlie Smith High.

"I rate Jerome as a top coach in Jamaica. He is good at motivating the players to do their best," Phang said.

Arnett are currently the RSPL leaders on 52 points, followed by Waterhouse (47), defending champions Montego Bay United (44) and Humble Lion (41), in the top four. With seven rounds remaining in the preliminary stage, Phang is confident Arnett will win the title for the first time since 2002.

"My team is a good one. We have depth, so I truly believe that we will advance to the semi-finals and go on to win the final," he added.

Phang also has his sights set on getting a call to the national senior men's team.

"From I was about 14-year-old it has been a desire to represent Jamaica at any level and I have not given up on that," the 25-year-old concluded.