Gor Mahia head coach, Jonathan McKinistry, has expressed confidence in Benson Omalla's potential to run away with this season's Golden Boot gong.
The mercurial striker—who has been on a tear so far—will be going for his 20th goal in an intriguing Round of 20 matchups against KCB at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Thursday.
The Kisumu Day High School alumnus celebrated his 19th goal of the season against Bidco United at Nyayo Stadium over the weekend, giving himself a six-goal lead atop the standings.
His closest challenger, Elvis Rupia of Kenya Police, has found the back of the net 13 times thus far.
Although Omalla's performance this season has been phenomenal, the Irish coach hastily clarified that he is still well below his peak and admonished him to press the accelerator harder.
"Benson is nowhere near a finished product yet. I think he is at 60% of what he can be," McKinistry stated.
"He puts in a lot of effort in practice because he is aware that we focus on the skills we need to add to his game. I like him because he's a great listener and a very humble person. There is nothing ostentatious or egotistical about him," McKinstry said.
McKinstry said Omalla's humility, which enables him to follow directions despite his current enviable status in the league, is the secret to his success.
"Working with him has been great because he wants to learn and listen. With such a mindset, he is certain to achieve his goals much more quickly and completely," cited McKinstry.
The gaffer lavished his striker with endless praise, noting he possesses a knack for blasting in goals at whim. "He is undoubtedly talented and a natural finisher.
"He has a raw instinct that the best strikers possess. These are qualities that even the best coaches in the world find it difficult to teach players."
McKinstry tipped Omalla for a meteoric rise on the big stage but cautioned him about the risks of mixing with unsavory characters who might only serve as a source of distraction.
"He has the potential to scale new heights as long as he keeps the focus and maintains the right company. What he should always keep at the back of his mind is that talent alone is not sufficient to propel a player to success. What matters is the work rate and being surrounded by the right people to help you make the right decisions," he said.
