The race for the golden boot has reached its crescendo in Zimbabwe, with William Manondo and Walter Musona fancying their chances of winning the coveted award.
According to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League bosses, this season’s golden boot winner will pocket a hefty R120 000 [USD 6 375].
Manondo of Caps United has led the perk on the goals charts since the start of the season, with 15 goals on his tally.
But his stranglehold faces serious threat from former Polokwane City and Sekhukune United midfielder, Musona, who now turns out for FC Platinum.
Musona is three goals behind Manondo, with three games remaining before the season ends.
And while Manondo has not hit the target in the last five games, his rival, Musona has scored in the last four consecutive matches for the four-time champions.
Considering Musona’s scintillating form, it is easy to imagine him surpassing or equalling Manondo’s tally by the time the season rounds up.
WILL MUSONDA CATCH UP?
Walter, who is brother to former Kaizer Chiefs marksman Knowledge Musona won the September player of the month award and is undoubtedly the front-runner to be Soccer Star of the Year.
However, both players Manondo and Musona say they are not under pressure ahead in this nail-biting homestretch at an individual level.
“I’m happy that I came this far and achieved this because when the season started, Caps United was ruled out on age bases. We were under the spotlight because of age,” 31-year-old Manondo said.
“At this point I am not putting pressure on myself. I am focusing on what the club wants us to do going into the next games and future plans
His rival, Musona was reserved in his comments.
“I always focus on improving my game. Results come for the good of the team. It’s a team effort and no need to be under pressure otherwise, focus will be lost,” Musona said.
Chicken Inn’s Brian Muza is third on the ranks with 11 goals but has already been written off from the race as he is struggling with injuries.
Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders is on fourth place with 10 goals to his name.
Meanwhile, there is another intriguing race for the rookie of the year award between FC Platinum’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Jayden Barake of WhaWha.
Ngwenya and Barake have both given good accounts of themselves so far, with nine goals apiece, despite contrasting fortunes at their clubs.
Ngwenya’s FC Platinum won their fourth title on the trot, while Barake’s WhaWha became the first team to be relegated this season.
