..…Week 20 fixtures set to test the two leading scorers.

The race for the Golden Boot in the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) Durata Regional Division League One is expected to gather momentum this weekend, with leading scorers Fortune Thauka and Mussa Ayatu both in action in Week 20.

Kababa Academy forward Thauka tops the scoring chart with 14 goals, while Rutrand FC’s Ayatu is close behind on 13 as the two battle for the season’s top individual award.

Thauka faces a difficult assignment on Saturday when Kababa Academy host second-placed Prison United at Chikowi Ground, while Ayatu will be hoping to add to his tally when league leaders Rutrand FC take on bottom-placed Nsanama Young Soccer at Mandaline Ground.

Ayatu’s Rutrand are top of the table with 35 points from 16 matches, four ahead of Prison United, who have 31 points from 15 games.

Nsanama, who have managed 11 points from 16 matches, will need a strong performance to contain the league leaders, giving Ayatu an opportunity to increase his goal tally.

However, Thauka will face a Prison United side that is also chasing the league title. The visitors will be looking for maximum points to keep pressure on Rutrand, making Saturday’s encounter an important test for Kababa Academy.

Prison United also have Mustafa Gama in the Golden Boot race, with the striker having scored seven goals so far.

Elsewhere, Zomba Airbase’s Phillip Makina and Malawi Navy’s William Luhanga, who have six goals apiece, will also be looking to improve their tallies.

Makina will be in action on Saturday when Zomba Airbase visit Toleza Farm FC, who are seventh with 21 points, while Luhanga and Malawi Navy host Nselema United on Sunday.

The other Saturday fixture will see third-placed Ntaja Rangers, on 26 points, take on sixth-placed Cobbe Barracks, who have 22 points, at Vision Stadium.

On Sunday, fourth-placed Namikango Mission, with 25 points, host Zomba Immigration, who are 11th on 15 points, at Albright Stadium.

All matches will kick off at 2:30pm.

The ERFA Durata Regional Division League One is sponsored by H Adams Wholesalers through its Durata Batteries brand and features teams from Zomba, Machinga, Mangochi, Balaka and Phalombe.