AFTER ending the 2023/24 NBC Premier League as the runner-up in the league's Golden Boot race with 19 goals, Azam FC's attacking midfielder Feisal Salum has lauded the season as the best in his career.

The midfielder notched one goal in his outfit's 2-0 victory over Geita Gold FC in the top flight's last-round clash and the latter has consequently been relegated to the Championship League.

The pursuit for the 2023/24 NBC Premier League top goal scorer award was a two-horse race involving Yanga's Stephane Aziz Ki and Salum only to be decided on the last day of the top-flight campaign.

Yanga's attacking midfielder Aziz Ki eventually claimed the season’s Premier League Golden Boot with 21 goals.

He drilled in a hat-trick to help his side disappoint Tanzania Prisons with a 4-1 drubbing in the last-round match that took place at Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

Salum joined Azam FC last year after sitting out for six months while attempting to force his way out of Yanga after falling out with the team's leadership.

The midfielder said this season has become the best for him and downplayed the Golden Boot race, noting he kept his team's goals ahead of his record.

Azam FC has won a chance to represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season given the side ended second in the domestic top flight.

"The season has been amazing, we played extraordinary football under coach Youssouph Dabo to qualify for the CAF Champions League... it is a huge step for us after being knockouted out of the preliminary stage of the CAF Confederation Cup," the footballer remarked.

Salum noted: "I am delighted to score many goals this season, Aziz Ki who won the Golden Boot accolade deserved it because he had a stellar performance this season, which is not a problem for me because I always put the team's goals ahead of mine."

"This season is over, I would like to thank the coaches, fellow players, and fans for their support, we have qualified for the CAF Champions League, a showdown we have not played in for many years, next season will be exciting," Salum added.

Aziz Ki has dedicated his Golden Boot award to his teammates and pointed out that they contributed to the success.

"I previously said I don't focus on the Golden Boot race at all, I have won it now I have to appreciate my efforts and the team's efforts,” the Burkinabe midfielder remarked.

“My fellow players have been amazing this season, assisting my goals, that shows how a solid team we were,” the footballer pointed out.

“I am thankful to the fans for this season. I hope I will next season play with the same players and team," Aziz Ki added.

As the NBC Premier League silverware race is over, Mainland Tanzania will be represented by Yanga and Azam FC in the CAF Champions League while Simba SC and Coastal Union will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.