Goal machine Kasumba to decide Sofapaka future

Striker Umaru Kasumba has taken his Kenyan Premier League (KPL) debut season is swashbuckling fashion and it is no surprise that clubs are desperate to prise him away from Sofapaka FC.

The Ugandan, who arrived during the June transfer window, shot his way to the KPL top goalscoring charts and has admitted several clubs – both local and international – have expressed interest in his signature.

The former SC Villa forward has been involved in 16 goals this term, scoring 11 times and assisting five others, and has been the focal point of Sofapaka’s spectacular resurgence.

“It’s been a great season for me and for my team. Its true I have received many offers but my agent will decide what is best for me at the end of the season,” Kasumba told Citizen Digital.

Kasumba was absent in the Batoto ba Mungu’s loss at Sony Sugar as well as their barren stalemate at home to Mathare United due to a shoulder injury and is battling to be match-fit for the weekend away trip to Tusker FC.

Despite the flattering attention he has attracted, Kasumba has vowed to continue giving his ‘best’ to Sofapaka as they gun for a strong finish to their campaign.

“I will not be distracted by the interest from other teams. I have a contract with Sofapaka and I will honour it by continuing to give my best as long as am here.

“I started training today and am hoping to be in good shape for the weekends match and it will now be up to the fitness coach and the coach to decide, but am working hard,” he stated.

He had a realistic chance of winning the golden boot prior to the previous KPL round which saw Kariobangi Sharks forward Masoud Juma hit four past Muhoroni Youth is Sunday’s 7-0 win to take his tally 15 goals.

Kepha Aswani, Jacques Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere (all on 12 goals) are the only other players that have scored more than Kasumba. In managing his expectations, the player says helping his club finish in the best position possible will be a bigger achievement for him.

“I am always a team player who believes in collective success rather than individual acclaim.”

Sofapaka staged a magical relegation escape last season and have rebuilt into a force to reckon with but are yet to hit their 2009 KPL-winning heights.

The 2009 champions have so far managed 49 points and are placed fourth in the Kenyan premier league standings.