Gor Mahia's red-hot striker Benson Omalla has vowed to fight tooth and nail for this season's Kenyan Premier League Golden Boot gong.
Omalla, 25, was the toast for K'Ogalo in their scintillating Mashemeji derby clash against arch-rivals AFC Leopards at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday.
He netted a brace that separated the two traditional top-flight behemoths at full-time. The two goals propelled his tally to four this season, placing him strategically ahead of the pack in the race for the Golden Boot gong.
"My job description is to score goals and I'm happy with what I have achieved with the club so far," Omalla said.
Omalla admitted he felt devastated last season after losing out on the award to Elvis Rupia, a former Police FC striker who has since joined Singinda Fountains in the Tanzania Premier League.
Rupia scored 27 goals — two better than Omalla — on his way to the Golden Boot podium. This feat broke the 1976 Kenyan Premier League record of 26 goals set by Moris Aloo Sonyi while playing for Gor Mahia.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday, Omalla said he was not willing to endure such misery again.
"Everybody expected me to win after dominating the leaderboard for the better part of last season. Unfortunately, things didn't work out according to plan and Elvis ended up being the winner," Omalla remarked.
"I'll do my best to emerge at the top at the end of this campaign," he added.
Omalla's two goals against AFC Leopards on Saturday were a true definition of skill and class. The sensational youngster lobbed the ball over AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo to fire the record Kenyan champions ahead in the 25th minute.
He then proved to be Leopards' chief tormentor, haunting them with yet another splendid effort in the 57th minute.
Omalla expressed his delight at steering K'Ogalo to the critical win, which not only helped them restore the Mashemeji derby bragging rights but also solidified their second place on the KPL log.
"The victory boosts our morale as we prepare for our next games." Winning the derby is never easy. "I hope to maintain my excellent form in the upcoming matches," Omalla stated.
The outcome has Gor second on the log with 12 points, four adrift of leaders Posta Rangers. On the other hand, the loss piled more pressure on Ingwe who have now slumped down to second from the bottom with a paltry four points from six matches.
