By Thumbiko Nyirongo

The race for the Golden Boot in the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) Durata Regional Division One is beginning to take shape, with three players emerging as the early frontrunners after three rounds of matches.

Cobbe Barracks striker Ronald Pangani, Mphatso Lewis of Prison United and Fortune Thauka of Kababa Academy are jointly leading the scoring charts with three goals apiece heading into Week Four.

The trio will be aiming to extend their lead this weekend as the battle for the league’s top scorer award gathers momentum.

Breathing down their necks are Prince Pillow of Ntaja Rangers, Simon Washington of Nsanama Young Soccer and Mussa Ayatu of Rutrand FC, who have all scored two goals and remain firmly in contention.

With only one goal separating the leading trio from the chasing pack, another productive weekend in front of goal could dramatically alter the standings.

The K36 million league, sponsored by H Adam Wholesalers through its Durata Batteries brand, resumes this weekend with six fixtures lined up across the region.

On Saturday, Nsanama Young Soccer will take on Kababa Academy at Vision Stadium, while Malawi Navy host Rutrand FC at Navy Ground.

Prison United, whose striker Lewis is among the leading scorers, will entertain Ntaja Rangers at Prison Ground.

Action continues on Sunday with Zomba Airbase facing Namikango Mission FC at Zomba Airbase Ground.

Leaders Cobbe Barracks will host Zomba Immigration FC at Topfield Ground, while Nselema United will square off against Toleza Farm FC at Vision Stadium.

With the Golden Boot race heating up and teams jostling for early-season supremacy, all eyes will be on Pangani, Lewis and Thauka as the Durata Regional Division One enters another crucial weekend of action.