Terry Westley says Moses Makasi’s maiden Football League goal was a fitting reward for the midfielder’s hard work and dedication.
The West Ham United loanee netted his first senior goal with a spectacular long-range strike for Plymouth Argyle in a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town on Saturday, keeping the Pilgrims in the EFL League One Play-Off places.
Makasi, who has been on the Hammers’ books since he was a schoolboy, has made 75 Premier League 2 appearances and captained the U23s prior to his January move to Home Park. At 22, he is the oldest player in Westley’s squad, but the Academy Director says his is testament to his gradual development and relentless determination to improve his game.
“In my three-and-a-half years here, Moses has acquitted himself so well on and off the pitch, he’s matured as a footballer, he takes things on board and each year he has got another year’s contract because you look at him and think ‘He’s getting better, so we’re not going to let him go yet’,” Westley confirmed.
In my three-and-a-half years here, Moses has acquitted himself so well on and off the pitch
Terry Westley
“He has now played in League One for a side that is challenging for promotion via the Play-Offs and the run and finish for his goal were magnificent.
“I spoke to him on Saturday and he was so thrilled to make his debut, and also to play such an important part in a good team. Hopefully now he can play more games for Plymouth.”
Makasi himself was delighted to get off the mark, particularly as goalscoring is not something he is renowned for, having netted just twice in those 75 Premier League 2 appearances.
The player has waited patiently to make his first start, playing just 14 minutes as Plymouth won the first five League One games on his arrival in Devon, but when he was handed the opportunity by manager Derek Adams at the weekend, he was happy to have taken it.
“It was a great feeling,” said Makasi. “When Ruben Lameiras got the ball I thought it was my chance to burst into space and when I got the ball there was only one thing on my mind, and that was to make sure I finished it.
“It was a lovely ball from Ruben, he slotted me in. I saw the ‘keeper was moving to his left so I put it in the other corner. Luckily it went in, and I thank God for that.
“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. I thought ‘This is an opportunity, and I can’t let it slip’. I would have liked a win, but a goal and a draw on my debut is not bad.
“I thought before I came that I would get a bit more game time, but I just had to get my head down, knuckle down and keep patient. My time came, and I think I took it. There’s still a lot more to come from me, and I hope I can show the Argyle fans what I have got.”
Makasi will hope to find the net again when Plymouth host ninth-place Bristol Rovers in a vital League One fixture on Saturday afternoon.