A first-half Ezekiel Odera penalty for Nairobi City Stars against FC Talanta in the grand finale of the 2021-22 FKF Premier League season improved his tally of goals in the season to ten.
The haul sent Odera, 34, to the City Stars record books as he became the first player to win the club’s golden boot for the third time surpassing three other players who had top-scored in over two seasons.
Justus Basweti top-scored in the 2004/5 and 2006/7 seasons, Arthur Museve in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Ugandan Dan Sserunkuma in 2011 and 2012, and Gambian hitman Ebrima Sanneh in the 2015 and 2019-20 seasons.
Odera top-scored in the 2016 premier league and 2017 National Super League seasons with four and eleven goals, respectively.
“Playing for Nairobi city Stars as always has been a joy to me as a player. The working conditions at the club have been favorable to me. The staff, playing unit, and coaching staff have been superb,” said Odera
“I am happy and blessed and always proud to wear a City Stars jersey while representing the club.
“As a striker, my job is to score goals and that has never been a problem for me because I enjoy my football at the club. That explains the reasons behind being the top goal scorer in three different seasons and that makes me proud,”
“I am always thankful to my employers and I am hopeful that we will continue the good relationship with the club and help them achieve their objectives as a club.”
In hitting double digits in the 2021/22 season, Odera surpassed the eight goals that made Sanneh and Peter Opiyo Simba wa Nairobi top scorers in the 2019/20 National Super League and 2020/21 FKF Premier League seasons.
Notwithstanding, Odera’s overall goals were reduced to nine after one of his goals in the 3-0 win over Mathare United was negated following the expulsion of the club from the league.
Odera currently sits third behind Basweti and Francis Thairu in the all-time City Stars’ scoring record with 33 goals.
Ezekiel Odera in action between Nairobi City Stars and Ulinzi Stars in a matchday 25 FKF Premier League tie on Sat 10 Apr 2022 in Ruaraka. It ended 0-0
City Stars striker Ezekiel Odera against Wazito in a 29th round FKF Premier League match on Mon 9 May 2022. His penalty in the second half earned a 1-0 win
Nairobi City Stars striker Ezekiel Odera is sandwiched by KCB players during the 34th and final FKF Premier League game at Narok Stadium Sun 22 Aug 2021. KCB won it 3-0