Africa-Press – Kenya. Kayole Starlets forward Linda Kihara insists her Golden Boot ambitions remain firmly on track in the 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League season.
Kihara has emerged as one of the most consistent performers this season and currently sits on 10 goals, tied in second place with Vihiga Queens striker Martha Amunyollette. The duo are chasing the current leader from Kenya Police Bullets, Margaret Kunihira, who has 12.
Momentum in both the title and Golden Boot races has, however, been interrupted by the international break running from February 24 to March 7. The window has forced the postponement of several domestic fixtures, including Kayole Starlets’ highly anticipated clash against Ulinzi Starlets — a match that was expected to significantly influence both the championship race and the battle for individual honours.
Kihara believes the break offers an opportunity to refocus ahead of what promises to be a demanding run-in.
“The break changes the schedule, but it doesn’t change the objective,” said Kihara. “We were preparing well for Ulinzi. We have to stay sharp even when there are no league matches. When play resumes, the pressure will be higher because the games will come back-to-back.”
Kihara’s scoring run has been central to Kayole Starlets’ resurgence in the second leg of the season.
She opened her account with a brace in a 3-1 victory over Zetech Sparks before scoring the lone goal in a narrow win against Trinity Starlets. Kihara struck a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Bungoma Queens.
Her recent form has mirrored Kayole’s improvement. The side secured back-to-back wins before the international break, edging Wadadia 1-0 and beating Kisumu All Starlets 2-0 — results that strengthened their push for a top-three finish.
Kihara found the net in both matches, maintaining pressure in the Golden Boot race while keeping Kayole within touching distance of the leaders.
She attributes her consistency to the tactical structure set by the technical bench and the understanding she shares with her fellow attackers.
“My goals come from the work we do as a team,” she said. “The coach has given me freedom in the final third but also clear responsibility. My teammates create chances and trust me to finish them.
“We analyse opponents carefully, and that preparation makes a difference. When I score, it reflects the effort from training and the belief the team has in me.”
Kayole’s attacking approach this season has relied heavily on quick transitions and wide play, allowing Kihara to exploit spaces behind defensive lines.
Her composure in front of the goal and improved movement off the ball mark a significant improvement from previous campaigns, where injuries and inconsistency limited her output.
