FKF KPL Photo Finish Ahead: Who Wins the Golden Boot?

With the FKF Premier League season entering its final stretch, the individual awards are still up for grabs, particularly the Golden Boot, an award that most players dream of winning. With only two matches remaining, the chase for the Golden Boot has taken an interesting turn, with two players tussling at the summit of the goal-scoring chart, separated by a single goal.

Abana Be Beingo’s talisman, Moses Shumah; relegation-threatened netbuster Emmanuel Osoro; and title-chasing Tusker’s Ryan Ogam are top contenders for this season's coveted individual award. Only two goals separate the first on the chart, Moses Shumah, who has netted 17, and third-place Ryan Ogam, who has managed to score 15 goals.

 Let's have a deep dive into who is likely to be crowned the league's top scorer at the end of the season gala award.

Moses Shumah, 17 goals—Kakamega Homeboyz

Moses Shumah, a proven goalscorer, had a nightmare start, but he rejuvenated his form with the arrival of Francis Baraza.

However, Moses Shumah feels that the Golden Boot award is not his primary goal, but to help his side win. “I feel it’s not in my position to state the number I want to reach. I’m not laying down any particular targets. As I said before, as long as the team is on a good run and winning, that is the most important, and I know the goals will come.”

The talisman has scored 44% of Kakamega Homeboyz's league goals this season. In the last five matches, he has managed to score only twice, with those goals coming against Kariobangi Sharks and from the spot in their 2-1 win against Police FC.

Kakamega Homeboyz plays against Bidco and Tusker in their remaining two league fixtures. Moses Shumah will aim to light his quest for the prestigious award in those encounters, as he has a lead in the top scores over Emmanuel Osoro, who is on his heels.

Emmanuel Osoro, 16 Talanta FC

The Bukembe High School alumni have been in impressive form. In the last five fixtures, he has managed to put 4 goals in the back of the opponent's net: 1 against Gor Mahia, a brace against Tusker, and 1 goal against the bankers. He has managed to score 50% of the Talanta FC league goals; his goals have proven to be pivotal for the rescue of ailing Talanta FC, which is facing the relegation axe.

Osoro applauds his coach, Jackline Achieng, and teammates for the impressive run of results. “Once I got to 12 goals, it started feeling realistic. My teammates and assistant coach Jackson Gatheru pushed me to keep scoring. The coach told me winning the Golden Boot would be a big achievement, not just for me but for the whole team.”

In the quest for the golden boot, Osoro’s Talanta will visit AFC Leopards before travelling to St Sebastian Park to face Muranga Seals in the league finale.

Ryan Ogam, 15 goals – Tusker FC

Tusker FC's hitman had a flying start to the season; he was banging in goals for fun. In the first 14 league matches, he had 15 goals. However, the injury ruined his dream season; since then, he has been stuck on 15 goals. His injury was a huge blow for the title-chasing side, the Brewers; this is evident as they are struggling in front of the goal.

Ogam, who has recovered from injury and has been training, is yet to feature for the Brewers. As the Brewers look to clinch the title, Ogam will have to face Kariobangi Sharks and inform Kakamega Homeboyz to dethrone Osoro and Shumah in the top scorer chase.

Dark Horses

Only six players have managed to hit double figures in the goal-scoring chart. The top three are in contention for winning the coveted award. However, the other three netbusters will have to fancy their slim chance in the chase for the golden boot. Shabana’s wonder man, Brian Michira, has netted 12 goals. Shabana faces Police FC before welcoming Ulinzi Stars. Bandari’s Nyamawi Beja is tied on goals with Brian Michira. Francis Kahiro closes the list of players with double figures. Kahiro’s inconsistent KCB faces Nairobi City Stars and AFC Leopards.

Feature Image Credit: Tusker FC