Gor Mahia forward Benson Omala might experience déjà vu as he risks falling behind in the race for the golden boot, despite being a strong contender for this season’s award. Omala needs to swiftly regain his scoring form, or he might miss out on the Golden Boot Award for the second consecutive year.
Since scoring against Nzoia Sugar in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw on December 9 in Homa Bay, Omala’s goal tally has remained at nine. This has resulted in a seven-match scoring drought, allowing competitors to catch up. Kenya Police striker Tito Okelo is now only one goal behind, while Bandari’s Francis Kahiro (who scored six for KCB before his transfer last month) and Vincent Owino of Nairobi City Stars each have seven goals. Other players like Boniface Muchiri of Ulinzi Stars, Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboyz, and Tusker’s Eric Kapaito, each with six goals, are also putting pressure on Omala.
The striker from Gor Mahia needs to rediscover his goal-scoring ability soon or he’ll find himself trailing in a competition he seemed poised to win. Omala’s return to form is crucial not just for his personal accolades but for the team’s overall performance, as they’ve struggled to score more than once in their last six matches. Despite this, coach Johnathan McKisntry remains optimistic, emphasizing that as long as Omala continues to challenge goalkeepers, he’s contributing to the team.
Omala will remember last season’s disappointment when he was on the verge of winning the Golden Boot and breaking the 26-goal record set in 1976, only to fall short. A scoring dry spell in the season’s final stages allowed Elvis Rupia, then with Kenya Police, to surpass him and set a new record of 27 goals.
Now, as Gor Mahia prepares for a crucial match against second-placed City Stars, both the team and Omala are aiming for a win. A defeat would allow their rivals to close the gap, adding to the pressure on Omala to perform and help secure a victory.
