Reigning Most Valuable Player, Mike Madoya will face-off against Eric Kapaito, Faruk Shikhalo, Cliff Nyakeya and Felly Mulumba for the top accolade during the 2018 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Awards next Thursday (October 25).
This is according to the nominees list released on Thursday in Nairobi where only two players from KPL champions, Gor Mahia FC who swept to their 17th domestic title with six games to spare, are in the running for awards during the gala.
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Madoya who continued his fine form for Zoo Kericho FC netted 14 goals as the club starved off the threat of relegation to finish 11th on 42 points in what was another fine season for the midfielder who is seeking to become the first ever to bag back-to-back MVP titles.
Kariobangi Sharks FC marksman, Kapaito had a barnstorming second leg of the campaign that saw him end the season as the Golden Boot winner on 16 goals, one ahead of both Jacques Tuyisenge (Gor) and the since departed Eric Rupia Banda formerly of Nzoia Sugar FC.
Goalkeeper Shikhalo and defender Mulumba helped Bandari FC keep the meanest defence in the league, conceding only 20 goals in 36 games as they recorded their highest ever finish by coming runners-up to K’Ogalo.
Rounding off the candidates for the top award of the night is midfielder Nyakeya, who also notched 14 goals as 2008 champions, Mathare United FC (48) recovered from flirting with relegation last season to finish eighth having challenged Gor at the opening stages of the season before trailing off in the second leg.
SPL AWARDS 2018 NOMINEES
Most Valuable Player Of The Year
1. Eric Kapaito- Kariobangi Sharks FC
2. Michael Madoya- Zoo Kericho FC
3. Faruk Shikhalo- Bandari FC
4. Cliff Nyakeya- Mathare United FC
5. Felly Lumumba- Bandari FC
Golden Glove
1. Faruk Shikhalo- Bandari FC
2. Patrick Matasi- Tusker FC
3. Kelvin Omondi- Sony Sugar FC
4. Mathias Kigonya- Sofapaka FC
5. Ezekiel Owade- AFC Leopards SC
Defender of the Year
1. Felly Mulumba- Bandari FC
2. Titus Achesa- Posta Rangers FC
3. Oliver Ruto- Ulinzi Stars FC
4. Haron Shakava- Gor Mahia FC
5. Joash Onyango- Gor Mahia FC
Midfielder of the Year
1. Cliff Nyakeya- Mathare United FC
2. Michael Madoya- Zoo Kericho FC
3. Elvis Nandwa- Ulinzi Stars FC
4. Marvin Nabwire- AFC Leopards SC
5. Whyvonne Isuza- AFC Leopards SC
New Player of the Year
1. Eric Kapaito- Kariobangi Sharks FC
2. Pistone Mutamba- Sofapaka FC
3. Dennis Boge- Vihiga United FC
4. Amos Kigadi- Vihiga United FC
5. Marvin Nabwire- AFC Leopards SC
Coach of the Year
1. Dylan Kerr- Gor Mahia FC
2. Bernard Mwalala- Bandari FC
3. Robert Matano- Tusker FC
4. Danstan Nyaudo- Ulinzi Stars FC
5. John Baraza- Sofapaka FC
Team Manager of the Year
1. Dick Onywera- Kariobangi Sharks FC
2. Vincent Okello- Mathare United FC
3. Emmanuel Geno- Sony Sugar FC
4. Christopher Ouma – Ulinzi Stars FC
5. Lazarus Yogo- Zoo Kericho FC
Golden Boot
1. Eric Kapaito- Kariobangi Sharks FC
2. Elvis Rupia- Nzoia Sugar FC
3. Jacques Tuyisenge- Gor Mahia FC
Fair Play Club
1. Gor Mahia FC
2. Sofapaka FC
3. Kariobangi Sharks FC
Most Improved Centre Referee
1. Davies Omweno
2. Raymond Onyango
3. Yasin Badir
4. Andrew Juma
5. Israel Mpaima
Most Improved Assistant Referee
1. Gilbert Cheruiyot
2. Maryann Njoroge
3. Tonny Kidiya
4. Stephen Yiembe
5. Oliver Odhiambo
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