Despite bagging the 2017 Kenyan Premier League title with a 19-point gap, not a single Gor Mahia player won top award during KPL Awards gala Friday night.
Instead, Mike Madoya whose team Zoo FC finished 12th in the 18-team league, and did not win any silverware, was the star of the night – scooping four awards including the coveted Player of the Year gong.
Gor’s only consolation was runners-up finish in the Fair Player of the Year category which Meddie Kagere took home and Team Manager of the Year accolade which Jolawi Obondo won.
Meddie Kagere also collected Silver Ball Award with his teammate Jacques Tuyisenge and Sofapaka’s Stephen Waruru sharing the bronze ball.
The golden boot gong obviously went to former Kariobangi Sharks’ striker Masoud Juma, who has since signed for South Africa’s Cape Town City.
Madoya’s famous night kick-started with being named Young Player of the Year; Fair Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year crowns then followed in that order before the MVP’s arrived in a big way to end the night.
“It has been a tough journey. At some point, we struggled with court cases and we were even thrown out of the league. I thank God for everything,” Madoya, who took home Kshs 1.7m in total said.
Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya was voted the best coach while Mathare United’s veteran defender George “Wise” Owino bagging the best defender award.
“God’s time is the best time, thank you all for your prayers and support,” the much travelled defender said.
The awards are decided by KPL coaches and team captains.
KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUE AWARDS 2017 WINNERS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD
-Michael Madoya-Zoo Kericho FC
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
-George Owino-Mathare United FC
FAIRPLAY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
-Michael Madoya-Zoo Kericho FC
COACH OF THE YEAR
-William Muluya-Kariobangi Sharks
GOLDEN GLOVE OF THE YEAR
-Patrick Matasi-Posta Rangers
MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
-Michael Madoya-Zoo Kericho FC
NEW PLAYER OF THE YEAR
-Michael Madoya-Zoo Kericho FC
TEAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR
-Jolowi Obondo-Gor Mahia FC
GOLDEN BOOT AWARD
-Masoud Juma-Kariobangi Sharks now Cape Town City player(South Africa)
FAIR PLAY CLUB OF THE YEAR
-Sofapaka FC
REFEREE OF THE YEAR
-BassinBaddir
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
-Frank Okoth-KPL Operating Officer.
