Sofapaka's fleet-footed offensive midfielder Joe Waithira believes his moment to bask in top-flight glory is finally here.
Acquired at the start of the preceding season from rivals Wazito, Waithira has proven to be a gem at his new club with three goals in six league encounters thus far.
He was the toast for the 2009 champions after opening his account with a scintillating sitter in their 3-1 win over Nairobi City Stars in Wundanyi.
Lady luck continued to smile on his stellar run as he went on to score again against Mathare United and AFC Leopards to fire his goal tally to three and become an early contender for the ‘Golden Boot’.
The remarkable run, he says, has pumped some zest into his self-esteem and boosted his confidence.
“I feel good to have had a decent start to the season. More importantly, netting the opening goal of the season for the club and an assist to cap it all against City Stars,” Waithira told the club's official portal on Tuesday.
“When you get playing time, score goals and provide assists as a player, your confidence level rises. I feel so confident and with a target to achieve at the end of the season, I believe scoring at least 15 goals and assisting several others are manageable,” he added.
And after wrapping up last season in the middle of the table, Waithira believes their impressive start to the season has put them on the path to reclaiming the title they last won 12 years ago.
He remains bullish in the face of their latest three-match winless streak, saying they boast of a talent-laden squad to turn their fortunes around when competition resumes next weekend following a two-week break.
“We started strongly, collecting four points in our opening two fixtures. We then went three matches without a win, a situation that has impacted on our confidence levels as pressure piles,” said Waithira.
“The league is always a long journey. We are still 28 games away. With the squad and calibre of players, we have presently, I believe our targets are achievable. We only need to keep being consistent and taking each match as final because this is the only way we shall be able to realise our goals.”
Of all the wins, Waithira says beating 13-time Kenyan champions AFC Leopards was a defining moment for them and a huge boost to their credentials.
“The win over Ingwe has restored our belief and confidence. It is a turning point for the team and it is upon us to up our momentum and keep winning in the coming fixtures.”
Having three goals to his name, the midfielder believes he has what it takes to charge for honours at the end of the season and has set a 15-goal target.
