Jeconiah Uyoga is the 2016 Sportpesa Super 8 League Most Valuable Player after being unveiled in a colorful Sportpesa Super 8 gala awards that took place on 25 November evening at Carnivore restaurant, Nairobi.
The Technical University of Kenya (TUK FC) forward was the toast of the night as he became the first player to bag the award in two straight years in the history of the competition. He won it last year during the 9th edition of the Sportpesa Super 8 Tournament and he beat Jericho All Stars’ Victor Walera and Kayole Asubuhi captain Joel Mutua to the accolade again this year.
On top of the trophy, Jeoniah also received a neat Ksh.30,000 in prize money from title sponsors Sportpesa and he could not hold back his joy after being named the leagues’ best.
“I cannot explain how I feel right now but I am thankful for my coach and team mates because without them I could not have done it. It has been a long journey but at the end of it all we did it, I am so happy because it has not been easy, when the league started my aim was to be the top scorer but I missed it by one goal which made me work extra hard in the champions league which we won.” The 21-year old civil engineering student remarked after accepting the award.
The Sportpesa Super 8 gala awards seeks to recognize, appreciate and reward individuals and teams that excelled during the just concluded league which is run and managed by Extreme Sports Limited under the lead sponsorship of Sportpesa and the black-tie event attracted a respectable audience as the league signed off its nearly perfect campaign in style.
Nairobi governor Dr. Evans Kidero was the chief guest and he congratulated all the players who won saying there is potential of talent in the county and urged all stakeholders including the private sector to support the growth of football.
“Nairobi county government is happy to join you in celebrating these young boys who are doing a wonderful job in football. Congratulation to the teams and players who won keep working hard and you will be rewarded. Congratulations also to Extreme Sports Limited for a good job, I understand the league attracted a respectable crowed of close to 20,000 people during the final which is a commendable job but all stakeholders must join forces and support growth of the game.” Mr. Kidero who was accompanied by his deputy Jonathan Mueke said.
The winners were selected by a panel of 15 coaches and the leagues’ technical committee after keen analysis of the records and overall performances of the players, teams and match officials during the just concluded campaign.
SPS8 GALA AWARDS WINNERS
Best assistant referee- Judy Wamoro
Best referee- Kevin Juma
Coach the year- Isaiah Omondi (Kayole Asubuhi)
Best enterprising team- Meltah Kabiria
Most disciplined team- Diguna FC
Most promising player-Zidane Ochieng’ (Makadara Junior League)
Golden glove- Paul Maina (TUK)
Golden boot- Francis-Thairu (Kawangware United- SPS8 PL) and Robinson Shitandi (NYSA-SPS8 Division One)
League winners
SportPesa Super 8 Champions League- TUK FC
SportPesa Super 8 Premier League – Kayole Asubuhi FC
SportPesa Super 8 Division One League –NYSA
SportPesa Super 8 Tournament- River of God (ROG FC)
