Rupia aims to transform Mapinduzi Cup goal-scoring form to NBC PL

Rupia is vying for the top goal scorer accolade of the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup as his squad was yesterday slated to lock horns with Simba SC in the competition’s semi-final.

The Kenyan forward scored one goal and assisted the other for his outfit as Singida Fountain Gate FC rallied from behind to beat Azam FC 2-1 in the first of Monday’s Mapinduzi Cup quarterfinals played at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The goal-getter has hailed the level of competition in the NBC Premier League as the catalyst for his improved showing, given he meets opposition that makes him better every day.

The striker, who joined the Singida-based team at the beginning of this season from Police FC of Kenya, revealed that after a short period in Tanzania, he faced strong opposition to the point of not being able to excel quickly.

"The Mainland Tanzania Premier League has surpassed the Kenyan Premier League in many aspects, starting with payment, and team competition, but even in terms of fans coming out to the stadiums to support their teams, this is a good thing, it motivates a player," Rupia noted.

The forward pointed out: "I expected to start with a low rate of goal scoring considering that I have come to a completely new league- different from the Kenyan Premier League."

The striker, who was out of action for two months due to injuries, disclosed he expects to return to his goal-scoring form quickly when the league matches resume, as he aims to score more goals for his team so it can battle for the silverware.

He said he realizes it will not be an easy task due to the quality of strong challengers- Young Africans SC (Yanga), Simba SC, and Azam FC but he will work hard in collaboration with his teammates to ensure Singida Fountain Gate FC does well and he emerges as the best goal scorer this season.

"The past few years, Simba SC and Yanga alongside Azam FC have dominated the goal scoring charts and, in the last three seasons, a top goal scorer emerged out of the three teams, which proves that I can clinch the top goal scorer accolade," Rupia revealed.

Since joining Singida Fountain Gate FC, Rupia has scored six goals in all competitions including two in the Premier League, one goal in the Azam Sports Federation Cup, and four goals in the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup.