By Samuel Gacharira,

MATCH DAY 25 TEAM OF THE WEEK

As the relegation battle intensifies and the title race nears conclusion, both coaches and players can feel the pressure. Round 25 was full of exciting action and a couple of players stood out from the rest.

The team of the week lines up in a 4-4-2 formation with Majani in goal. Owino, Shafik, Kamura and Odette complete the back four. Mwangi and Kizito partner in central midfield as Miheso and Harrison parade on the flanks. Sserunkuma and Waruru feature upfront in a twin striker role.

Fredrick Majani (Nairobi City Stars)Great reflexes, superb instinctive saves and excellent positioning. That is how I can describe his display against Tusker that helped Nairobi City Stars pick a point from Tusker. He came off his line to defend his goal and was unfortunate to concede earlier on after his defenders failed to clear the danger following a fine save from Kimani’s goal bound shot.

David Owino (Gor Mahia)

His return from suspension restored some calm and stability on the K`Ogalo defense. The coordination among the back four under his leadership and command ensured his side kept a clean sheet against Chemelil Sugar.

Shafik Batambuze (Sofapaka)

Signed from Western Stima in June, the lad has settled in seamlessly in the Sofapaka squad. His defensive prowess on the left channel of defense has endeared him to the Sofapaka faithful’s who have already nicknamed him Evra. His pinpoint crosses came in handy on Saturday as he was involved in the build up to the only goal of the match.

Robinson Kamura (Mathare United)

Two goals in the last two matches is a fete that a defender can brag about in a league where majority of the strikers are goal shy. He is a free kick specialist and his composure in tight defensive areas is one of a kind. His goal helped Mathare United walk away with a point from Thika following their 1-1 draw.

Charles Odette (Sony Sugar)

He stood tall in defense against KRA and ensured that his side kept a clean sheet in the process bagging three crucial away points. His blocks, tackles and timely interceptions neutralized the taxmen`s forward line.

Geoffrey Kizito (Gor Mahia)

The Uganda international was instrumental for Gor Mahia against Chemelil Sugar. He started the moves that led to the two goals as well as provide defensive cover for his back four. His pass accuracy and vision was exceptional too.

Joseph Mwangi (Sony Sugar)

He deserved the man of the match accolade as he almost singlehandedly pulled the strings for Sony Sugar in midfield. He provided the assist for the only goal scored. The win ensured that his side has a realistic chance of achieving a Top 8 finish.

Harrison Mwendwa (Mathare United)

He was constant thorn in the Thika United defense. His electrifying pace and trickery won Mathare United a free kick after he was hacked down outside the box. The resultant free kick was successfully converted by Kamura.

Clifton Miheso (Sofapaka)

His scoring form continued against Muhoroni Youth as he netted the lone goal of the tough encounter. He made good runs on the flanks and combined well with Shafik to provide crosses for their strikers. His goal ensured that Sofapaka remain in the title race.

Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars)

The 2010 Golden boot winner was in blistering form in the Nakuru derby providing two assists and came close to scoring in two occasions but was denied by Shaban Odoji. He made minced meat of the Top Fry defense and ensured that Ulinzi grabbed the bragging rights as well as three points in the hotly contested Nakuru derby.

Dan Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia)

He returned to scoring ways in propitious fashion notching a brace that helped Gor Mahia beat Chemelil Sugar thus pad their lead on top of the log. He looks on course to recapture the Golden boot he last won in 2012.

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