Prolific AFC Leopards striker John Makwata’s hat-trick against Zoo FC last Sunday raised his tally this season to nine and revved up the chase for golden boot with Tusker marksman Timothy Otieno who has a similar number.

Remarkably, Makwata’s hat-trick was a first for an AFC Leopards player in 10 years. Congolese Demonde Selenga was the last Ingwe player to score three times in one match, his feat coming against KCB in June 2010.

It was a bountiful weekend for the leading lights as Otieno also helped himself to a brace against Chemelil Sugar on Saturday. The duo are closely trailed by industrious KCB forward Enoch Agwanda who has eight goals to his name.

Agwanda was also on the scoresheet as he hauled his side up from a goal down against Mathare United to share the spoils. 

Behind him is the ever impressive Kakamega Homeboyz youngster Peter Thiong’o on seven goals. Thiong’o is tied on seven with Ulinzi Stars poacher Enosh Ochieng with a chasing quartet of Kisumu All Stars prodigy Benson Omala, Allan Wanga of Kakamega Homeboyz, Oscar Wamalwa of Ulinzi Stars and Elly Asieche of Sofapaka who had a goal erroneously chalked off in their draw with Kariobangi Sharks.

Makwata won the golden boot with Ulinzi Stars in 2016 while Ochieng and Wanga have also lifted the coveted gong. With the Kenyan Premier League yet to roll into the second half, a lot can still change.

“It has been my dream to one day lift the golden boot in KPL. This season, I started really well and I hope to keep going. We have a solid team that is chasing for the title and I want to play my part in aiding that and fight for the golden boot in the process,” said Tusker talisman Otieno.

Makwata would also relish a repeat of his 2016 heroics that landed him a lucrative move abroad. He however, thinks he is at a disadvantage as his club AFC Leopards is plagued by financial constraints that could hinder him in the long run.

“Whatever we are doing takes so much from each and every player. Going six months without pay is not easy but the moral support from fans is what gets us out of the house to come and play but it is not easy. Trainings are not regular and we have lost a good number of the team members,” said Makwata.