Joe Waithira celebrates his goal during a past KPL match/WAITHIRA FACEBOOK 

Murang’a Seal captain Joe Waithira has thrown down an early marker in the race for the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League Golden Boot, vowing to fight “tooth and nail” after opening a clear lead at the top of the scoring charts.

Waithira’s red-hot form continued as he delivered another match-winning performance, scoring twice to steer Murang’a SEAL to a hard-fought 2–1 victory over APS Bomet in the Week 19 fixtures played on February 1.

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“I’m feeling very confident right now,” Waithira said. “When you score goals consistently, it gives you belief, and I want to keep pushing myself every match.”

The brace followed a similar feat against Ulinzi Stars, making Waithira the league’s most outstanding performer of the round and the biggest mover in the Golden Boot race. His tally now stands at 12 goals, placing him outright at the summit heading into Round 20.

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Against APS Bomet, Waithira led from the front as a captain should. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot before producing a thunderous late strike into the roof of the net to secure maximum points for the hosts.

“As a leader, I take responsibility in big moments,” he said. “When the team needs something, I want to be the one to step up.”

The penalty marked his third successful spot kick of the season, underlining both his composure and trust from the technical bench.

“Penalties are about confidence and focus,” Waithira explained. “Once I place the ball, I block everything else out.”

His late winner, however, captured the essence of his season — decisive, fearless, and delivered when it mattered most. “I saw the space, and I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to trust your instinct.”

Waithira’s form has not only elevated his personal ambitions but also fueled Murang’a SEAL’s belief that they can challenge higher up the table. Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, the club now finds itself dreaming of a top-five finish.

“We have grown a lot as a team,” Waithira said. “Last season was about survival, but this season our mindset is completely different.”

He added: “We believe we can finish in the top five if we stay disciplined and keep working hard.”

Across the league, other attackers also made notable strides. Gor Mahia’s Ebenezer Adukwaw added to his tally with a penalty in K’Ogalo’s win over Sofapaka, taking his season total to six goals. Adukwaw now sits second on Gor Mahia’s scoring list behind the injured Felix Oluoch, who has seven.

Shabana’s Byan Migitro also joined the six-goal bracket after converting a controversial penalty in Tore Bobe’s narrow win over Bandari at Gusii Stadium. The goal followed another strike in Shabana’s 3–3 draw away to APS Bomet, keeping him among the league’s most consistent scorers.

At Bukhungu Stadium, Oliver Majaka of Kakamega Homeboyz also enjoyed a productive outing, registering a goal and an assist to move his tally to five goals, making him Homeboyz’s leading marksman ahead of Potiphar Odhiambo.

Yet it is Waithira who continues to set the pace — a status reinforced by his recent recognition as SportPesa Premier League Player of the Month for December 2025.

During the festive period, Waithira scored four goals in three matches, helping Murang’a Seal collect seven points from a possible nine and remain unbeaten throughout the month. His performances edged out strong competition from Ovella Ochieng’, Tyson Otieno, Paul Okoth, Jimmy Owili, and Bixente Lizarazu.

“That month was very special for me,” Waithira said. “Everything clicked, but it was because of the work the team was doing behind the scenes.”

His goals came against Nairobi United, Kenya Police, and a decisive brace away to Mara Sugar — moments that underlined his consistency and match-winning influence.

“I don’t score for myself alone,” he said. “Every goal is for the team and the fans who support us every week.”

For his efforts, Waithira received a Sh50,000 cash prize and a customised trophy, courtesy of league sponsors SportPesa. 

With the Golden Boot race heating up and Murang’a SEAL rising steadily, Waithira’s ambitions are clear — and so is his form.

“I will keep fighting for every goal,” he said. “The season is long, but I’m ready for the challenge.”