Ulinzi Stars striker Paul Okoth has set his sights on earning a maiden Harambee Stars call-up after enjoying a breakthrough SportPesa League campaign that established him as one of the most prolific forwards in the country.
The marksman enjoyed a remarkable season, scoring 18 league goals and narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot award by just one goal to Murang’a SEAL captain Joe Waithira.
Despite falling short in the race for the league’s top scorer accolade, Okoth’s performances did not go unnoticed as he emerged as one of the standout players of the season.
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His impressive exploits earned him a place in the SportPesa League Team of the Season during the league’s Gala Awards. On the same night, he was also named the SportPesa League Player of the Month for May after playing a crucial role in helping Ulinzi Stars avoid relegation.
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The striker scored four goals in four matches during the month, directly contributing nine points that proved vital in securing Ulinzi Stars’ top-flight status for next season. The award was his second monthly accolade of the campaign, having also been named Player of the Month in November.
Speaking on the sidelines of the SportPesa League Gala Awards, Okoth reflected on a season that demanded resilience, hard work and determination. The striker had previously struggled to make a significant impact at Kariobangi Sharks before joining FKF National Super League side Migori Youth, a move that eventually earned him a switch to Ulinzi Stars.
“It has not been an easy season, but pushing myself and working hard has been the secret. I have always had the desire to achieve more and to become the league’s top scorer. Unfortunately, I did not get it this time, but we will keep fighting and working hard,” said Okoth.
The forward admitted that the battle to keep Ulinzi Stars in the league came with immense pressure, especially during the final weeks of the season when every point mattered.
“There was a lot of pressure, but as a player you must learn how to handle it. The important thing was staying focused and helping the team achieve its objective,” he added.
Okoth’s goals proved decisive as Ulinzi Stars pulled away from danger and secured their place in the league for another season. His consistency in front of goal not only helped the club survive but also elevated his profile among the country’s top attacking talents.
Having enjoyed the best season of his career so far, the striker is now looking beyond club football and hopes his performances will earn him recognition from the national team selectors.
“My goal is to earn a place in the national team and also win the Golden Boot next season,” he said.
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For a player who has worked his way up from the National Super League to becoming one of the most feared strikers in the top flight, the future looks bright for Okoth.
After falling just short of the Golden Boot and playing a pivotal role in Ulinzi Stars’ survival, the forward now has his sights set on even bigger achievements a place in the Harambee Stars squad and individual honours in the coming season.