Exclusive: Ambani Tips Tusker Forward Ryan Ogam To Break League's Goal-Scoring Record, Hit More Than 30

Former Kenyan international Bonface Ambani believes that red-hot Tusker striker Ryan Wesley Ogam will break the Kenyan Premier League goal record for a single season and surpass the 30-goal mark.

Despite missing three league rounds due to an injury, Ogam has defied all the odds to sit at the summit of the scorer's sheet with 13 goals from 14 rounds.

The tally could have been higher for the Ogam, who is in his first season in the top tier, as he missed matches against; Kenya Police, FC Talanta and Ulinzi Stars due to an injury.

Interestingly, Ogam joined Tusker from the defunct National Super League side Rainbow during the off-season transfer window as a defensive midfielder, but coach Charles Okere oversaw his transition to a goal poacher.

The Tanzania-based Harambee Stars striker Elvis Rupia holds the league record courtesy of the 27 goals he scored in the 2022-2023 season with Kenya Police.

Rupia rewrote history after breaking the then 47-year-old goal-scoring record, in the league, held by Gor Mahia legend Maurice 'Sonyi' Ochieng.

Other players who had come close to shattering the record are: Benson Omala and Eric Kapaito as the two found the back of the net 26 and 24 times in the 2022-2023 and 2020-2021 seasons respectively.

OGAM WILL TAKE BAR HIGHER

Having witnessed Ogam take the league by storm within a short time and score goals at will, Ambani is convinced that the 20-year-old will wipe the existing record, barring a transfer move in January or long-term injuries.

Ambani, who clinched the 'Golden Boot' with Tusker during his active years labeled Ogam as a complete striker, who can hit more than 30 goals in the season.

Known for his enthusiasm in support of the Kenyan top tier and his firm encouragement of budding strikers, Ambani challenged Ogam to go for the record and help the club reclaim the league title.

Tusker last won the league title in the 2020-2021 season under experienced coach Robert Matano, and have been settling for the runners-up position in the past two seasons.

Ambani said Ogam's consistency will be a key ingredient in their bid to dethrone Gor Mahia and return to continental football after three years in the cold.

"Records are there to be broken. He has what it takes to break the league's record and even get past the 30-goal mark. If he remains consistent and disciplined throughout the season, he will definitely make history," ," Ambani told SportsBoom.com in a telephone interview. "He has also to believe that he can inspire the club to win the league title. He has to add titles to his profile."

OGAM'S FORM CRUCIAL FOR STARS AHEAD OF CHAN DEBUT

With Harambee Stars set to make their CHAN debut in February, Ambani says  Ogam's form will be vital even as the team hopes to make it at least to the knockout stages.

Stars will be featuring in the continental tournament as one of the host countries having failed to go past the preliminary round of the qualifiers.

Kenya lost 3-1 on aggregate to South Sudan in the qualifiers but still retained their place in the final by virtue of being one of the host nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Although the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is yet to appoint a new coach, the former AFC Leopards striker says the new gaffer will have to include the youngster in the team and play him.

Ogam was part of the second leg qualifier match against South Sudan but he didn't see much of the game time. He has previously been drafted in the U20 team.

“The new Harambee Stars coach will have no choice other than to include him in the team and leave the responsibility of getting goals to him. He has proven himself that he is the right person to lead the attacking line in CHAN matches.

"His form will help the team make significant progress in the tournament. With consistency, he will also make important contributions in the subsequent international assignments," said Ambani.

NEW FKF REGIME SHOULD ORGANIZE SERIOUS END-OF-SEASON AWARDS

Meanwhile, Ambani urged the new Football Kenya Federation regime to revamp the end-of-season awards as a way of motivating players and making the league more attractive.

The former Leopards Youth team coach castigated the previous officeholders for failing to give justice to outstanding performers in every season despite having the financial muscle to do so.

He called on the Hussein Mohammed-led federation to ensure the best players are rewarded accordingly and the process is done with transparency.

“Outstanding performers ought to be rewarded in a well-organized end-of-season gala. We can't afford to be clapping for our best players and appreciating their season-long effort by giving them peanuts. The new regime should look into this and ensure players like Ogam get deserving recognition at the end of the season," added the Nakuru Bucks technical director.