Golden boot award at stake as WPL regular season concludes

Three women, Violet Nanjala, Terry Engesha and Mwanahalima Adam have a realistic chance of bagging the golden boot this weekend in the Women Premier League (WPL) that witnesses seven matches across the two zones on the final day of the season of the regular league action. 

Trans Nzoia Falcons' Nanjala leads the pack at 18 goals, having scored four hattricks in 13 appearances, with Vihiga Queens' goal poacher Engesha coming in closely behind at 16 goals, one better than Thika Queens' Adam.  

However, given some ridiculously high score lines often witnessed in the league, one would not put the award out of reach for Wadadia's Ruth Chebungei and Gaspo Women's Mercy Airo who complete the top five leading goal scorers chart with 12 and 11 goals respectively. 

Nanjala pulled away from the leading pack of three last weekend, scoring her fourth hattrick in a 6-2 outcome against relegated Oserian Ladies to put the slight gap between her and the competitors who were tied on 15 goals before last weekend’s matches.

Adam managed one in Thika's 4-1 win over Kibera Soccer Ladies. Engesha failed to find the back of the net in their 3-0 win over Kisumu All Starlets to retain her count.

As the regular season concludes on Saturday, 12 June, Nanjala has a herculean task of guarding her lead as her side plays away to Vihiga. While the two sides have already secured their places on the log, Vihiga top the zone with Trans Nzoia having escaped relegation but relinquished the chance to feature in the playoffs, the two players chasing the golden boot will be on the hunt for more goals. 

Vihiga remain unbeaten in the 13 matches played and have conceded the least number of goals in zone B at seven while scoring the highest, 35. Trans Nzoia, in fourth place at 20 points ahead of the clash, have scored 31 to tie second with Nakuru West Queens but have conceded 19, one less than Nakuru who are third at 24 points. 

"We are looking to finish strong. We had a few lapses in previous matches, especially with our attack. We are creating many chances but the conversion rate is worrying given that we have two crucial tasks ahead, the playoff and the CAF Champions League qualifiers. We have worked on that in training and will be testing ourselves against Trans-Nzoia who are no pushover," said Vihiga coach Alex Alumira. 

On his part, Trans-Nzoia tactician Chris Amwayi says they still have to fight for the win despite losing the playoff chance. "We still have something to fight for. If not the bragging rights, then helping Nanjala, who is an incredible player and has been an integral part of the squad this season, clinch the golden boot will push us," said Amwayi. 

Other Zone B matches will see Wadadia, who have already secured a playoff spot take on Kisumu as Chebungei, who led the scoring charts for the better part of the first leg attempts an upset for the golden boot. 

Meanwhile, Adam's Thika face out of form Mathare Women giving her just the right ammunition to use against her competitors for the award. Already relegated Mathare have soaked in 43 goals this season scoring seven while Thika, who remain unbeaten, have scored 48 against 11 conceded.  

Saturday Fixtures

Gaspo vs Makolanders- Stima Club

Vihiga vs Trans-Nzoia- Moi Stadium, Kisumu

Kibera Soccer vs Kayole Starlets- De Paul grounds

Wadadia vs Kisumu - St Peter's Mumias 

Zetech vs Ulinzi - Ruiru Grounds 

Nakuru vs SEP Ladies- Nakuru Show Grounds

Mathare vs Thika - Camp Toyoyo