Gor Mahia defender Joash Onyango has been crowned 2019 LG/SJAK Most Valuable Player (MVP) at an award ceremony held at National Museums of Kenya on Monday 19th August evening.
The former Western Stima man defeated his former teammate Francis Kahata and Ulinzi Stars forward Enosh Ochieng to bag the prestigious accolade that comes with a Ksh. 1 million reward courtesy of sponsors, LG Electronics and 55″ LG Smart TV.
Onyango has a scintillating season with Gor Mahia leading them to the 2018/19 Kenyan Premier League title, their 18th overall. He also played a vital role in the team’s progression to the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever in their history. In the international front, he was part of Stars team at the African Cup of Nations but didn’t manage an appearance due to injury.
In the goalkeepers, category, Farouk Shikalo who has since left Bandari for Yanga won the golden glove after keeping 13 clean sheets in the league.
Sofapaka’s Justin Ndikumana came in second with a similar number of clean-sheets although he played fewer matches, the Burundian keeper has since ditched Batoto Ba Mungu for Bandari. Veteran western Stima custodian, Steven Odhiambo finished third with 10.
In the defender of the year category, Gor Mahia assistant captain bagged the accolade for the first time ever. Sony Sugar utility man, Kelvin Wesonga came in second while Brian Otieno from Bandari finished third.
Former Gor Mahia star Francis Kahata who has since joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC, was named midfielder of the year. Bandari FC speed master Abdallah Hassan finished behind him while former Mathare United Midfielder Cliff Nyakeya who has since moved to Egyptian side FC Masr came in third.
Tusker FC hitman, David Majak who took the league by a storm in the second league bagged the young new player of the year award. The former Kakamega Homeboyz man scored six league goals for the Brewers in 14 apperances and set up several others.
Jackson Dwang who has since ditched Nzoia Sugar for Posta Rangers came in second while Daniel Sakari formerly with Kakamega Homeboyz but now with Sharks took the third slot.
In the coach’s category, immediate former Gor Mahia tactician, Hassan Oktay was named coach of the year after leading the champions to the 2018/19 Kenyan Premier League title. Bandari’s Bernard Mwalala came in second while Sofapaka coach John Baraza took the third position.
The 2018/19 golden boot was won by Ulinzi Stars’ Enosh Ochieng who scored 20 goals. Kakamega Homeboyz captain Allan Wanga came in second with 18 goals while Umaru Kasumba who has since joined Zambian side Zesco United scored 17 while turning out for Sofapaka and finished third in the podium.
Award winners
Golden Glove-Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Justin Ndikumana (Sofapaka), Samuel Odhiambo (Western Stima)
Defender of the Year: Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Kelvin Wesonga (Sony Sugar), Brian Otieno (Bandari)
Midfielder of the Year: Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United)
Golden Boot: Enosh Ochieng ( Ulinzi Stars) Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Umaru Kasumba (Sofapaka)
New Young Player: David Majak (Tusker), Jackson Dwang (Nzoia Sugar), Daniel Sakari (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Coach of the Year: Hassan Oktay (Gor Mahia), Bernard Mwalala (Bandari), John Baraza (Sofapaka)
Prizes
Most Valuable Player – Sh1 million and 55″ LG Smart TV
SJAK President Award – Sh100000
Golden Glove winner – Sh250000 + 49″ LG Smart TV
Defender of the Year – Sh250000 + 49″ LG Smart TV
Midfielder of the Year – Sh250000 +49″ LG Smart TV
Golden Boot – Sh250000 + 49″LG Smart TV
New Young Player – Sh250000 + 49″ LG Smart TV
Coach of the Year – Sh250000 + 49″LG Smart TV
All 1st runners up – Sh150000 + LG Fridges
All 2nd runners up – Sh100000 + LG Microwaves