Following an action-packed March in which he scored five goals and three assists in six games, Jovon Makama has been named the EA Sports FC EFL Young Player of the Month for March.
Having started his youth career at Derby County, Makama joined Lincoln City in 2020 as an Academy Scholar and went on to sign his first professional contract in May 2021. Like many young players before him, he made his professional debut in the Carabao Cup on 9 August 2022 against Doncaster Rovers. His first goal for Lincoln City goal was scored later that same month in the EFL Trophy, now the Vertu Trophy, a competition that continues to provide young players with vital experience.
On receiving the award, Makama said, “It means a lot, you put in a lot of work through the whole season and it's good that at the end of a very strong month for myself that you’re rewarded with things like this. It means a lot to my family as well, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes with my family pushing me and also members of staff at the club.”
This achievement marks Makama’s second recognition for March having also been awarded the League One Player of the Month. With Lincoln City’s move from a 3-5-2 formation to a 4-2-3-1, Makama’s position on the pitch has transitioned from being a striker to playing a wider attacking role on the right. The new position has played to Makama’s strengths and seen him use his pace and precision to put balls into the box and score goals, including his first professional hat-trick in the Imps’ recent fixture against Bristol Rovers.
Commenting on his new position on the pitch, Makama said, “[Michael Skubala] said that he wanted to play me on the right, which I’m not unfamiliar with. I played on the wing through my Academy years and it’s something I’ve always been able to do. I like to play on the right, it gives me a lot of space and time to drive at players and to get down the sides of player. It’s definitely been good, and the formation change has had a big impact on not only myself, but also us as a team.”
Reflecting on his hat trick against Bristol Rovers and the subsequent reaction from the steadfast Imps fans, Makama added “This season has had a lot of ups and a lot of downs and to have that moment of scoring my first professional hat-trick and to do it in the environment that I did, the fans were amazing that day. It's definitely going to be a moment that I remember for the rest of my life.”
Speaking about the impact Imps Head Coach Michael Skubala has had on his game, Makama explained, “Since he’s come to Lincoln City he’s always told me the potential he sees that I have and he is always having chats with me on a weekly basis, after sessions, before sessions. He is always giving me advice and keeping my confidence high and keeping me working hard every day. He’s definitely had a big impact on what I’ve achieved.”
“It’s been a few years now that I’ve been in the first team environment, but being the age I am there’s still things that will always be new to me, so it’s definitely a good thing to have somebody like Michael there to be behind me, to give me that confidence and keep me pushing.”