National Super League Golden Boot race hots up

© SS Assad

FOOTBALL: National Super League Golden Boot race hots up

Festus Chuma 11:20 - 06.06.2023

The race is once again on for the coveted NSL Golden Boot, the trophy for the top scorer in the second division of Kenyan football.

The National Super League (NSL) Golden Boot race for the 2022/23 campaign is proving to be well-contested, and it won’t be a surprise if it goes down to the wire. 

Amos Kigadi of Vihiga United and Nyawayi Beja are currently level on goals, each having managed 15 strikes, while Shabana’s Peter Ongechi is just below the duo with 13 goals, with two coming from the penalty spot.

Pulse Sports looks at the top seven players who are in contention for the converted trophy with six games left before the season comes to an end. 

1.Amos Kigadi (Vihiga United)

Vihiga United frontman has climbed the goalscoring charts after netting a brace in his team’s 3-2 loss to Kajiado FC last weekend.

The cunning striker has found the back of the net on 15 occasions in over 20 league appearances this campaign.

The 30-year-old footballer will be hoping to continue his chase for the top goalscorer as the season is slowly reaching its climax.

2. Nyamawi Beja (SS Assad)

The red-hot SS Assad striker Nyamawi Beja has netted 15 times, with three coming from the spot this campaign. 

His value to the Simba is not only when it comes to goals but the 23-year-old’s ability to play wide on the right and up front.

For Nyamawi winning the Golden Boot will be a significant achievement, given that it is his first season at the club, having joined from little-known Lungalunga’s outfit Menzamwenye Stars. And in the process, he has become an instant hit in the first team.

3. Peter Ogechi (Shabana)

One of the most consistent goalscorers in the National Super League this season, Peter Ogechi, banged in 13 goals this season.

At some point, his blistering goalscoring runs dried up for the former Sony Sugar striker due to poor form, but he will be gunning to return to his predatory form in the last eight league games. 

4. Rashid Moyo (Darajani Gogo)

The former Dimba Patriots striker is next in line for this enthralling race for the Golden Boot as he looks to push the trio up to the end.

Moyo had suffered an injury setback a month ago and spent a few weeks on the sidelines. But that never killed his momentum as he rediscovered his peaks immediately when he returned to the field of play.

On a fascinating note, Moyo, who joined Gogo at the start of the 2022/2023 season, has scored 12 goals in just 20 league games. 

5. Alvin Ngoto (Mwatate United)

The Mwatate United frontman has come out of nowhere to raise his hand and put his name among the players gunning for the coveted award this season.

'Mantieson', as he is affectionately known, has been quietly doing his business carrying the 'Wanahewa' on his shoulders.

The Taita-born attacker is just four goals behind top scorer Kigadi and Beja in the league, having found the back of the net 11 times.

6. Philemon Nyakwaka (Mara Sugar)

Philemon Nyakwaka has been Mara Sugar’s most lethal weapon in their battle for promotion.

The striker has also found the back of the net 11 times for the Sugar Millers thesis season and is reported to have caught the eye of several clubs locally with his performances this season.

7. Kevin Hagai (Migori Youth)

Kevin Hagai is one of the critical reasons Migori Youth finds themselves at the third spot on the NSL log.

He has been highly reliable for Kevin Oluoch’s coached side and has often inspired them to victory when it seemed their backs were against the wall. Case in point, when Migori came from behind to beat Mombasa Elite recently.

Hagai has scored 11 goals, with four coming from the penalty spot, and he has as well laid on four assists.