By Bonface Osano,
Legendary Gor Mahia FC striker Maurice “Sonyi” Ochieng’ still holds the record for the most number of goals scored in a single league season in Kenya, only Allan Wanga now playing for El Merreikh came close in 2007 with 23 goals while playing for Tusker, but the 26 goals Sonyi scored in the 1976 season are still unchallenged.
Joe Kadenge another legend of the Kenyan game once described Sonyi as a lion, “This man was like a lion my friend, and he had no mercy with goalkeepers. Most of them used to run away from goal when they see him because he would kill you with shots.”
The current crop of KPL strikers have been accused on many occasions of lacking the scoring instincts, the physique and the ruthlessness needed in front of goal, with most preferring to pass the back by passing ball to another player instead of taking the scoring initiative themselves.
Early as it may seem, things are looking up this season with strikers rising to the occasion banging in goals week in week out and with just 8 rounds of matches played three strikers on 6 goals each stand out from the rest, could the 20 goals mark be crossed finally this season?
Jesse Jackson Were; the Tusker FC skipper has been prolific, literally carrying his team on his shoulders, on many occasions he has ensured his team does not suffer the humiliation of a defeat, case in point, the brace against Chemelil Sugar to salvage a point for his side away in Awendo a fortnight ago. The 26 years old former Mathare United talisman scored 9 goals last season same with Gor’s Michael Olunga who was with Thika United then, and the strong start in this season could see him bag the golden boot come end of season.
Ali Hassan Abondo; the return of “Teargas” to K’Ogalo from Tusker earlier this season has been remarkable, the attacking midfielder has been lethal than ever before scoring 10 goals for Gor thus far 6 being league goals. He grabbed a brace against Sofapaka in the Dstv super cup to hand Gor first trophy of the season before scoring twice in the continental duty. As it looks “Teargas” is smoking hot and he won’t stop scoring soon.
John Makwata; the little known former City Stars striker has burst into limelight thanks to his goal poaching skills, he has been tormenting goalkeepers while delivering crucial goals for the soldiers. With his fine scoring touch and consistency nothing is impossible by the end of the season.
Other strikers to watch out for this season include; the 2013 season golden boot winner Jacob Keli of AFC Leopards with 5 goals so far and Meddie Kagere of Gor Mahia with 4 goals.
Recent KPL golden boot winners:
2014,Dan Sserunkuma – 16 goals, Gor Mahia.
2013, Jacob Keli – 17 goals, KCB.
2012, John Baraza – 18 goals, Sofapaka.
Find me on twitter @bonfaceosano
