February Toast Of SPL, Kasumba Sets Sights On Uganda Cranes

20th March 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

Sofapaka striker credits head coach Baraza with his purple patch in front of goal as he aims at ending the season as Golden Boot winner

Sofapaka FC striker Umaru Kasumba poses with his SportPesa/SJAK February Player of the Month Award at the Eastleigh High School on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. PHOTO/SPN

SUMMARY

Kasumba edged SPL top scorer, Allan Wanga of Kakamega Homeboyz FC and another seasoned striker, Wycliffe Ochomo to the gong in the ballot conducted by a SJAK panel
He is hoping to emulate the achievement of compatriot Dan Sserunkuma who made his name as league winners Gor Mahia FC lethal marksman to earn his place in the Cranes squad
Baraza who won the league title with Batoto ba Mungu in 2009 returned the compliments but cautioned his team there was still a long way to go to clinch a second national championship

NAIROBI, Kenya- Sofapaka FC forward Umaru Kasumba has set sights on breaking into the Uganda Cranes national team as well as ending the season as the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) Golden Boot winner.

He was speaking on Tuesday after accepting the SportPesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya Player of the Month Award for February at Eastleigh High School in Nairobi.

Kasumba edged SPL top scorer, Allan Wanga of Kakamega Homeboyz FC and another seasoned striker, Wycliffe Ochomo to the gong in the ballot conducted by a SJAK panel.

“I’m very happy about this award. It’s a big challenge for me. Such an achievement is something that makes me want to work very hard as the season progresses,” Kasumba told SportPesa News after receiving the prize that comes with a KSh100,000 cheque and 49-inch smart television from electronics firm LG.

Kasumba's Sofapaka teammates will also share KSh100,000 for producing the latest recipient of the monthly prize.

“I’m available to represent the Uganda Cranes if I get the opportunity. I’m not one to compare myself with other strikers.

"I’m happy with my progress and focusing on doing my best for the remainder of the season,” the striker who has hit the net on seven occasions, two shy of Wanga to help the 2009 league winners ascend to the SPL summit on 33 points from 18 games added.

He is hoping to emulate the achievement of compatriot Dan Sserunkuma who made his name as league winners Gor Mahia FC lethal marksman to earn his place in the Cranes squad.

Purple patch

During the month under review, Kasumba struck the winner in a 1-0 victory that handed SportPesa Shield and SportPesa Cup champions, Kariobangi Sharks FC their first loss of the season before he netted in their 2-2 draw against Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium on February 23 having sunk a hat trick against the same opposition last season.

A double against 2008 champions Mathare United FC inspired their 4-1 demolition of the previous log leaders at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani to continue his purple patch in front of goal.

Kasumba credited his coach, John Baraza, a former league Most Valuable Player and top scorer for guiding him on his desired path to emulate him as a Golden Boot winner.

“I have the best coach in the league. My coach was top scorer four times in his hey day and that is something that helps and motivates me everyday to achieve the 20 goal target I have set for myself,” the Uganda striker hailed.

Baraza who won the league title with Batoto ba Mungu in 2009 returned the compliments but cautioned his team there was still a long way to go to clinch a second national championship.

“The League is very competitive and we cannot get ahead of ourselves. There is plenty left to do and we are fully focused, winning the title is possible,” the former Kenyan international stated.