In-form Étoile de l'Est striker Seiri Arigumaho has emerged as the early frontrunner in the race for the BK Pro League Golden Boot after making an impressive start to the season.
The Ugandan forward leads the scoring charts with five goals in eight appearances, putting him one ahead of a chasing pack that includes Ramadhan Niyibizi, Mukura VS striker Mensah Boateng Agyenim and Rayon Sports' Junior Kameni Herman, who have each scored four goals. Yannick Bizimana follows with three.
Despite his impressive form, the former Mbarara City and BUL FC forward insists his priority remains helping Étoile de l'Est achieve their objectives.
"I am happy with the way I have started the season, but I still have a long way to go. Five goals are encouraging, but the season is still young and I need to keep working hard," Arigumaho said.
While targeting the Golden Boot, the striker maintains that collective success matters more than individual recognition.
"My target is to become one of the league's top scorers, but the most important thing is helping Étoile de l'Est win matches and improve our position on the table."
He also credited his teammates for supporting his goalscoring exploits, stressing that football is a collective effort.
"I couldn't have achieved this without my teammates. They have given me great support and created opportunities for me to score. Football is a team game."
Arigumaho failed to find the net when Étoile de l'Est suffered a 3-0 defeat to Al Merrikh at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday. He acknowledged that consistency will be crucial if he is to remain at the top of the scoring charts.
"Every striker wants to score goals, and I am no different. I push myself in every training session because I know consistency is what separates the best scorers from the rest."
Putting the team first
Despite his individual success, Arigumaho admits Étoile de l'Est have yet to reach their full potential.
The Eastern Province-based side sit 14th in the BK Pro League standings with seven points from eight matches, having recorded one win, four draws and three defeats.
"Personally, I am pleased with my goals, but I am not fully satisfied with our overall performances as a team. We are still working hard to improve in different areas. Our focus is to collect more points in the coming matches and move up the table," he said.
The striker believes the team can build on its positive results and improve its position as the campaign gathers pace.
"Scoring goals is important for my confidence, but the most important thing is the team's progress. We have to build on that result and continue working together."
Arigumaho will now look to maintain his scoring form while helping Étoile de l'Est climb the league table
BK Pro League Top Scorers
Seiri Arigumaho (Étoile de l'Est) – 5 goals
Ramadhan Niyibizi (Marine FC) – 4 goals
Mensah Boateng Agyenim (Mukura VS) – 4 goals
Junior Kameni Herman (Rayon Sports)– 4 goals
Yannick Bizimana (Marine FC)– 3 goals