Dar es Salaam. As the Mainland Premier League enters its final stretch, the fight for the Golden Boot is boiling over with drama, passion, and ruthless ambition.
While teams battle for supremacy, individual brilliance is taking centre stage in the race to crown the season’s top scorer.
Now standing shoulder to shoulder at the summit of the scoring chart are Simba SC’s Charles Jean Ahoua and Yanga SC’s Prince Dube both on 12 goals and showing no signs of slowing down.
The duo’s performances have not only lifted their teams but also sparked one of the most thrilling Golden Boot chases in recent years.
Ahoua vs Dube
Ahoua, the Ivorian midfield maestro for Simba SC, has been the engine behind his team’s attacking play.
Operating in the number 10 role, his vision, composure, and lethal finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders.
His 12 goals have come at crucial moments, fuelling Simba’s pursuit of the league title.
But he’s not alone at the top anymore.
Prince Dube, the sharp and agile striker from Zimbabwe, has roared back into the spotlight for Yanga SC.
His clinical finishing and intelligent movement have earned him 12 goals too making him a force to be reckoned with in this heated contest.
His form couldn’t come at a better time for the defending champions, who are looking to hold off fierce rivals and reclaim domestic glory.
Right behind them…
Hot on their heels is Dube’s teammate Clement Mzize, just one goal behind with 11, proving Yanga’s frontline is a double edged sword.
Elvis Rupia of Singida Black Stars follows with 10, while Simba’s Steven Mukwala sits on 9, determined to close the gap.
Leonel Ateba (Simba SC) and Pacome Zouzoua (Yanga SC) both have 8 goals, still within striking distance.
Players with 7 goals each, including Stephane Aziz Ki (Yanga), Gibril Sillah (Azam FC), and Offen Chikola (Tabora United), are lurking dangerously, capable of staging a late-season surge.
League standings add fuel to the fire
The battle for the Golden Boot is intertwined with a tense title race.
Yanga SC currently leads the league with 64 points, trailed by Simba SC (57), Azam FC (51), and Singida Black Stars (50).
With just a few matches remaining, every goal is gold impacting both personal glory and club ambition.
What the stars are saying
Mzize: “Team first, Golden Boot later”
Yanga’s Mzize is keeping his feet on the ground, emphasising team success over personal accolades:
“The competition is strong. Everyone has a chance. But my focus is on helping Yanga retain the title. If I score and it helps the team, the rest will follow,” he said.
Mzize is just 8 goals shy of Feisal Salum’s local player record of 19 goals from last season, though it was Aziz Ki who won the Golden Boot then with 21.
Rupia: “I’m back and ready to fight”
Singida’s Elvis Rupia believes he’s hitting top form again:
“I started strong, then dipped a bit. But I never gave up. Now I’m back, and I believe I can still fight for the top,” he said confidently.
Mukwala: “Goals Are Our Duty”
Mukwala remains focused on the mission:
“Forwards are meant to score. That’s our job. The Golden Boot is just a bonus. I’m proud to be part of this race, but my main goal is helping Simba succeed,” he said.
