SINGIDA Black Stars striker Elvis Rupia has emerged as the leading scorer in the Premier League with eight goals, yet his primary focus remains on ensuring his team achieves its ambitions this season.

Rupia’s latest contribution came in a 2-1 victory over KenGold last Tuesday where he netted a crucial goal to secure three points for his team. 

The forward now leads the league’s top scorer race, closely followed by Simba SC’s attacking midfielder, Jean Charles Ahoua, who has scored seven goals.

“If I become the top scorer, I will be very happy because that is the goal of any striker,” Rupia (pictured) remarked. “However, what I value most is the team’s performance. My focus is on helping us finish in the top four, which is our primary target.”

Rupia credited his teammates for their support and collaboration, emphasizing that their unity is key to the team’s success. 

“The cooperation I receive from my colleagues is something I am very proud of. It motivates everyone, from the players to the technical bench and management, to work towards achieving our goals,” he added.

Singida Black Stars are currently in fourth place on the Premier League table after 16 matches. The team has secured 10 wins, three draws, and three losses, amassing 33 points. 

They have scored 22 goals and conceded 11, making them a formidable competitor alongside league giants Simba, Young Africans, and Azam.

Simba lead the league with 40 points from 15 matches, having won 13, drawn one, and lost one. Young Africans are close behind in second place with 39 points from 15 matches, recording 13 wins and two losses. 

Azam occupy third place with 36 points, having played 16 matches, winning 11, drawing three, and losing two. Singida Black Stars’ impressive run keeps them firmly in contention for a top-four finish.

Singida Black Stars’ acting head coach, Ramadhan Nswanzurimo, expressed his pride in Rupia’s contributions but challenged the striker to maintain his focus and capitalize on every scoring opportunity. 

“Elvis is an important player for us, but he must stay sharp and continue taking advantage of the chances he gets,” Nswanzurimo stated.

Rupia’s journey to  Premier League has been remarkable. He joined the team in the 2023/24 season from Kenya’s Police FC, where he made history by scoring 27 goals, breaking the 47-year-old record held by Gor Mahia’s Moris Aloo Sonyi, who scored 26 goals in 1976.

In his debut Premier League season, Rupia played for two different teams, starting with Singida Big Stars then Ihefu FC. Now settled at Singida Black Stars, he has quickly established himself as a key player.

With Rupia in fine form, Singida Black Stars are determined to maintain their position among the league’s elite teams. The striker’s goal-scoring prowess, coupled with the team’s defensive solidity, has positioned them as genuine contenders for a top-four finish in one of Tanzania’s most competitive seasons.