Negative criticism by a section of local fans pushed Masoud Juma to the top of Kenyan Premier League top scorers' chart despite missing his target by seven goals.
Juma had set a season target of 25 league goals but scored 17 in the process, a tally that saw him finish as the 2017 KPL top scorer in his debut season at the top flight competition.
The Kariobangi Sharks striker, whom coach Paul Put will heavily rely on for goals in the Cecafa championship, received a sharp criticism from fans, who questioned his call to Harambee Stars early in the year.
“I didn’t start this season very well. I got an ankle injury in the last match of pre-season training and had to be out for the first six games of the season.
"Immediately I returned, I was called up to the national team and that is when the fans started talking. Most talks were negative. That I did not deserve the call-up and that I was being favoured because I was a Sharks players; that what had I achieved to be called to Harambee Stars,” Juma told KPL official website.
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“I don’t know if it is just hatred or if there was something else behind that criticism, but I chose to make it be my source of motivation. I worked harder on my own and promised myself to prove my worth in the national team and my worth as a player."
Sharks finished third in the league, behind champions Gor Mahia and second-placed Sofapaka.
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