Is Ambani’s 15-year-old golden boot record under threat from Kapaito?

Kariobangi Sharks FC's Eric Kapaito celebrate his first goal in their FKF PL match against Gor Mahia FC at Kasarani Stadium Grounds on Sunday, January 10, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Is Boniface Ambani’s 15-year-old Kenya Premier League golden boot record under threat this season?

Ambani scored an impressive 26 goals in the Kenya Premier League 2006 campaign for 11-times champions Tusker, an achievement no player is yet to surpass.

Allan Wanga is the only striker who has come close to breaking the record when he scored 23 goals in 2007 while also playing for Tusker.

Former Mathare United and Tusker star Jesse Were who currently features for Zambian giants Zesco United also came close to the record in 2016 when he bagged 21 goals for Tusker.

Boniface Ambani in action in during his playing days [Courtesy]

However, FKF Premier League top scorer Erick Kapaito is optimistic he can reach break it.

Currently leading the scoring charts with 14 goals, Kapaito says his main target is to surpass his 2018 golden boot award of 16 goals.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, the inform striker said he will be approaching each game at a time with his objective not only set at achieving individual awards but helping the team win games.

“Scoring 26 goals this year? Why not? However, right now my goal is to match and pass my 2018 record. I would be very glad to surpass that 16-goal mile and everything else that will came after that will be a bonus to me,”  said an energised Kapaito.

Kariobangi Sharks FC's Eric Kapaito celebrates his second goal in their FKF PL match against Gor Mahia FC at Kasarani Stadium Grounds on Sunday, January 10, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kapaito’s closest competitor this season is by AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia, who boasts 11 goals. In-form Sofapaka midfielder Lawrence Juma is third with eight goals while Tusker’s youthful striker Henry Meja comes fourth with seven goals.

Despite not scoring in his last three games, Kapaito is confident goals will be back in plenty as soon as the team’s chemistry is proper.

Furthermore, the 2018 Premier League Most Valuable Player said they are ready to challenge for the title this year.

“I believe we can fight for the title. No one should write us off. Our third place position shows how strong the team is this season. Three points off the log leaders…not bad for us at this time of the campaign,” said the former Eastleigh Youth FC striker.

Kariobangi Sharks are third in the standings with 31 points, three points behind log leaders Tusker.

Kapaito started playing football during his childhood years at Maili Tisa FC in Namanga where he grew up.

He would join Kiluani High School but because of his football talent, he would later join Laiser Hill through scholarship.

An adamant admirer of former Harambee Stars striker Allan Wanga, Kapaito joined join Eastleigh Youth FC which played in the Nairobi County League in 2015 before signing for National Super League side Talanta FC in 2017.

In 2018, Kariobangi Sharks came for Kapaito after he netted 17 goals in the NSL, the same season he was voted the MVP and won the golden boot award.

In the same year, Kapaito debuted for Harambee Stars, a fete he would want to achieve every year with his targets set at scoring more goals for the national team and help Kenya qualify for the World Cup.

“Helping Kenya qualify for the World Cup will be a very great achievement in my career and I am looking forward to the qualifiers,” said Kapito who also adores Michael Olunga.