Red-hot Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla has said he is ready to punch above his weight and replicate his goal-poaching exploits on the international stage.
Omalla, 22, made the remarks a few days after scooping the Kenyan Premier League Golden Boot gong upon the conclusion of the season on Sunday.
He blasted the back of the net 19 times to cruise to the podium ahead of John Mark Makwatta (Kariobangi Sharks) and Tito Okello (Kenya Police) who emerged second and third with 16 goals apiece.
The development was a big relief for the Harambee Stars and Kenya Under 23 sensation who missed the accolade by a whisker in the preceding season after being surpassed by Elvis Rupia at the eleventh hour, months after leading the chart.
Omalla was the toast for K'Ogalo in their final match of the season against Bidco United at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday, where he bagged a brace to help Gor secure maximum points in their emphatic 4-3 win.
"I'm extremely happy with my achievement. I wasn't so sure I would get the award after missing out last season. This is akin to winning a double in one season and the feeling is great," Omalla remarked.
"I thank my teammates for their immense contribution because I could not have achieved this without them," he added.
The Kisumu Day High School alumnus pledged to spearhead a successful title hunt at the upcoming Cecafa Kagame Cup in Tanzania next month.
"After clinching the KPL trophy our focus shifts to the forthcoming international tournaments. It's long since a Kenyan side won the Cecafa Kagame Cup and we hope to break the jinx in Tanzania," Omalla started.
"The tournament will offer us a perfect opportunity to polish our act for the Caf Champions League," he added.
Omalla is convinced Gor Mahia can replicate their feat in 1987 when they beat Esperance of Tunisia to tuck away the Africa Cup Winners Cup which was renamed Mandela Cup later on.
"We have what it takes to excel in both competitions. Winning the national title for two seasons in a row attests to our potential to thrive on the continental stage," Omalla remarked.
"Our goal is to make our presence felt on the continental stage as we've done in previous years, including 1987 when we clinched the Mandela Cup," he added.
Omalla lavished praise on Gor goalkeeper Kevin Omondi who also bagged the Best Goalkeeper award after keeping the highest number of clean sheets throughout the season.
