Jovon Makama
He’s one of our own. Perhaps one of City’s best ever academy graduates, Jovon massively kicked on towards the back end of last season, where he picked up the League One player of the month award for March. Makama’s image is somewhat harshly tainted by his early days in an Imps shirt, where the club had no choice but to use him as a lone striker throughout much of 23/24 as well as 24/25 when he was not ready.
The forward began to flourish as the season wore on, however, as once more the shape change to a 4231 did wonders for him. Always backed by Skubala, it looks as if Jovon will go into the new season as very much a winger,
suiting his attributes down to a tee. Makama is far better with a ball at his feet than with his back to goal, allowing him to use his devastating pace and trickery to run at defenders while advancing Lincoln higher up the pitch. This was best seen in the unforgettable 5-0 win against Bristol Rovers in March, where he frankly violated the Pirates’ fullback on his way to an impressive hat-trick as well as an assist.
Still only 21 years old, Jovon was Lincoln’s golden boot winner and top assister across all competitions, with a combined 17 g/a. Makama will only get better with age and could potentially form a frightening frontline for City. A full preseason nurturing around experienced heads such as James Collins can only do him good, and it sets the young man up for a potentially even better season than last year.
On a long-term contract with The Imps, it easy to see why he is so highly thought of by the club and its hierarchy, Jovon will be hoping that he will be a key figure for Lincoln as they look to mount a playoff push in 25/26.
Verdict: Jovon Makama is one of the players that I am personally most excited about in the new campaign. Having already put up very impressive numbers last season for his age, his name will be one to look out for as he continues to develop further under Skubala, Cohen and Shaw