Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere,n [email protected]
THE race for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot award is developing into a captivating two-horse contest, with Herentals’ prolific striker Ralph Kawondera and Hardrock’s in-form forward Washington Navaya showing no signs of letting up.
Navaya
After 20 rounds of enthralling action, the two marksmen remain deadlocked at the top of the scoring charts with 10 goals apiece, setting up what promises to be a fascinating battle for the coveted top-scorer accolade.
Kawondera has been the talisman behind Herentals’ impressive campaign, consistently displaying a clinical eye for goal, while Navaya’s exploits in front of goal have played a pivotal role in Hardrock’s remarkable season.
Hot on the heels of the leading pair are Dynamos’ Ghanaian striker Frank Agyemang and Scottland talisman Khama Billiat, both of whom have found the net nine times and remain firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot.
Scottland veteran Knowledge Musona, continuing to prove that class is permanent, has amassed eight goals and sits just two strikes behind the leaders in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested scoring races in recent Premier Soccer League history.
CAPS United’s experienced forward Ishmael Wadi, Dynamos attacker Jairos Kasondo and Simba Bhora’s Harrison Masina make up the next group of challengers, each having scored six goals.
Scottland’s attacking depth has also been on full display, with Walter Musona contributing five goals, while MWOS forward Arthur Banda has likewise reached the five-goal mark.
The battle among the chasing pack remains equally intense, with a number of players tied on four goals, including CAPS United duo Takunda Benhura and Chawanangwa Kaonga, Hardrock pair Wilfred Madzungu and Tinashe Mashaireni, Highlanders striker Benjamin Adeogun, Herentals’ Dreamer Liyeto, and Ngezi Platinum Stars duo Marvelous Mukumba and Farai Madhananga.
Bulawayo Chiefs forward Godswill Gwara, FC Platinum’s Garikai Dembatsika, FC Hunters’ Elder Chirima, Triangle United’s Stephen Zhogi and Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Malvin Gaki have also chipped in with four goals each.
With 14 matches still remaining, the race for the Golden Boot is far from settled. If the first 20 rounds are anything to go by, supporters can expect more drama, more goals and plenty of twists before the league’s leading scorer is ultimately crowned.
For now, however, the message is unmistakable — Kawondera and Navaya remain the men to beat.
