By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe international Jordan Zemura has set himself a target of at least 10 goals and assists this season as he looks to make an impact during his return to English football with Watford.
The 26-year-old joined the Championship side on a season-long loan from Italian club Udinese at the weekend and has already set his sights on producing the most productive campaign of his career.
Zemura has never reached double figures for combined goals and assists in a season, but believes the Championship’s 46-game schedule gives him a strong opportunity to change that.
“Personally, I want to get above 10 goals and assists. I’ve not done it in my career before but there’s no better league, 46 matches, to go and do that,” Zemura said on the Watford club podcast.
“It’s a high target for myself but I feel like I’ve got 46 games – if I really believe what I can do, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
The left-back is returning to England after three years in Italy with Udinese, having previously helped Bournemouth win promotion to the Premier League in 2021-22.
He also scored a free-kick winner for Udinese against Lecce in October 2024 and hopes his attacking qualities can earn him opportunities on set pieces at Watford.
Zemura describes his game as one built around constant energy and aggression, with the Zimbabwe international determined to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
“It’s 90 minutes up and down, that’s my game. When I’m at my peak fitness-wise and mental-wise, I’m relentless,” he said.
“That’s the best way I can describe myself, even defensively when I come up against a good player, just relentless 90 minutes.”
He added that he has been working on improving the quality of his crossing and his defensive discipline.
“I’m really trying to feed the striker in the box and also, defensively, really trying to make sure the left-hand side is as locked down as possible.
“That’s the best way to be, to be all-action.”
Zemura faces competition for the starting left-back position from Marc Bola, but insists the rivalry can benefit both players and, ultimately, Watford’s promotion ambitions.
“Marc – what a player. As long as everyone’s on the same bandwidth then it’s cool, we’re working for the main goal here, which is to get promoted,” he said.
“It’s perfect to have me and him in that position because he knows I’m pushing him and I know he’s pushing him.”
Zemura believes the demands of the Championship mean opportunities will come for both players throughout the season.
“Whoever’s got the shirt at the start, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s yours to keep for the whole season. That’s perfect. Football’s supposed to be like that because without it you don’t have the best from yourself.”
The Zimbabwe international also spoke warmly about Bola, saying their competition would remain healthy despite both players fighting for the same position.
“You’re competing, but he’s my team-mate and I want to see him do well,” Zemura said.
“I want him to have the best season because him doing that pushes me to have the best season I can have.”
And if both players achieve their goals, Zemura already has a destination in mind for the celebrations.
“Then we can be celebrating together in Ibiza in May!”