By Samuel Gacharira,

As the tail end of the KPL 2014 season gets closer, the action gets more intense and exciting as teams continue to battle for honors within their reach and ability. Match day 27 was more or less in the same breath. Here is a look at the best performers this weekend.

The team of the week lines up in a 1-4-3-3 formation. In goal is James Sauna who will be shielded by John Njoroge, Joseph Shikokoti, Charles Odette and Kevin Oluoch. The midfield has industrious Ekaliani Ndolo and the creative Brian Osumba. Clifford Alwanga plays an anchor role just behind the attacking trio of Samuel Onyango, George Odhiambo and Stephen Waruru.

James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars)

He managed to keep his side into the game when he made fantastic saves early in the first half as his team made a slow start to the game. As the game wore on, he improved with every passing minute twice denying Collins Neto before coming out tops in a one on one situation against Fred Nyarombo. He did well to keep a clean sheet to ensure that Ulinzi(who are level on 44 points with Chemelil but have a superior goal difference)remain in the Top 4 bracket.

Kevin Oluoch (Gor Mahia)

Arguably the best utility player in the league, Kevin showed his flexibility against Mathare playing at right back. Time and again he made good tackles that kept speedy Mathare United winger Harrison Mwendwa at bay. His solid performance at the back ensured that K’Ogalo did not concede in what was a tight encounter.

Joseph Shikokoti (AFC Leopards)

The lanky defender who returned to AFC Leopards’ starting lineup due to an injury on James Situma brought some stability and composure to the backline. He scored the second goal through a fine header to cap an excellent performance that saw his side ascend into the top 8 bracket.

Charles Odette (Sony Sugar)

Disciplined and hard tackling, Odette played a key role in keeping out Nairobi City Stars’ forwards. He ensured that his goalkeeper was well guarded to keep a clean sheet that marked their return to the top 8 bracket perched at position 7.

John Njoroge (Sofapaka)

A ferocious cracker of a shot from his favorite left foot flew into the roof of the net to provide the breakthrough for Sofapaka and later he picked out Danson Kago from a corner for the second goal. The win ensured that his team was well on course to keep up the title chase.

Brian Osumba (Tusker)

The reigning midfielder of the year proved his class with a brilliant performance on Sunday. He completed an exciting move in style slamming the ball into the top right corner for Tusker’s first goal and later set up Clifford Alwanga for the second a minute after the break.

Ekaliani Ndolo (Sofapaka)

The midfield maestro whose engine never seems to run dry was in scintillating form for his team. He tapped in a rebound late in the game for the winner and saved his some blushes. That was his seventh league goal that kept Sofapaka firmly in the title race.

Clifford Alwanga (Tusker)

He was involved in the move that resulted in the first goal for his side fooling the Muhoroni Youth defenders with a clever dummy that left Osumba unmarked. His goal early in the second half, a delightful loop over the oncoming goalkeeper was enough to put Tusker into the driving seat.

Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars)

The 2010 Golden boot winner was a nightmare for the Western Stima defense. He bagged his first hatrick of the season guiding the soldiers to a win that extended their fine run in the league so far to three wins in a row.

Samuel Onyango (Sony Sugar)

Having scored against Sofapaka in their last league match, the striker continued his goal scoring spree with a brace this weekend. The three points helped his side climb up to position 7 on the log.

George Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

`Blackberry` seems to have shaken off the proverbial monkey off his back if his recent performances are anything to go by. He headed in Gor Mahia’s only goal of the match against a stubborn Mathare United side to ensure that the league leaders maintain their four point lead.

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