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Vanzie leads Humble Lion from the front
February 17, 2023
Andrew Vanzie has been the talisman and leader for Humble Lion in the Jamaica Premier League for the last four seasons, and Monday, the 32-year-old produced his typical performance with a sublime goal from a free kick as well as an assist to lead the Clarendon-based Humble Lion past Dunbeholden 2-1.
Considered the best dead-ball specialist in the league by many, Vanzie believes he has to lead from the front, being Humble Lion's captain and battle-scarred player.
"As a senior player and a veteran, you have to lead from the front and stand up and stamp your class.
"I know my ability, I know I can kick the dead ball, and I have a range of pass. It was a really amazing night (Monday). I led from the front as the captain and a senior player and helped Humble Lion gain three points," he said.
Humble Lion's coach, Andrew Price, declared the midfielder the best dead-ball kicker on local soil, noting that he practises religiously in training and likened him to former Harbour View maestro Jermaine Hue, who, similarly, had a penchant for scoring goals from free kicks.
Vanzie, who has five goals this season, one goal shy of his best goal-scoring season since joining Humble Lion from Portmore in 2014, and three assists, says with his experience and practice, free kicks are now second nature.
"I always know I can do it. It is no surprise. I always practise on the training ground. I kick over 30 balls a training session. So from 35 yards, I have it," he stated confidently.
Meanwhile, Humble Lion has not made the playoffs for several years; however, they are well poised to make the top six this season. They currently sit fourth on 24 points, seven off the lead and doing far better than they have done over the last two seasons under Price's watch.
Vanzie, however, pointed out that their focus has been far better this season, and they are now eyeing a top-two finish.
"For this second round, we want to reach 30 points. If we reach 30 points, we know we will surely be in the second round.
"There is a bit more focus in the team, and when we need to put our foot in the gas, we can.
"We want to get in the top six. We want to go second and be there for the semis. So we are taking every game like a cup final, and it starts from the training ground," he said.
