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The Nairobian

Tears of joy: Anthony Ndolo dedicates Midfielder of the Year title to departed mum

Football

By Rodgers Eshitemi | Nov 22, 2014

Anthony Ekaliana Ndolo of Sofapaka FC holds his Player of the Year Award and midfielder of the year award trophies during the 2014 KPL Footballer of the Year Award (FOYA) gala at Safari Park Hotel on 19-11-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

When his mother passed on when he was just four, Sofapaka midfielder Anthony Ndolo was on the verge of losing hope in life. But her spirit kept the midfield maestro going strong. So, when he was named player and midfielder of the year during Wednesday’s 2014 Premier League awards, the 27-year-old ace couldn’t hide his joy.

“I dedicate the midfielder award to mum who passed on when I was four years, and the best player award to myself because I’ve come a long way,” Ndolo said. “Her spirit has always been urging on.”

Ndolo saw off competition from Gor Mahia’s Geofrey Kizito (1st runners up) and Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars) for the best player award and again beat Kizito and Tusker’s Brian Osumba to win the midfielder of the year gong. For winning the two awards, he credited his bank account with Sh300,000. Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya promised Ndolo Sh100,000 more.

Anthony Ekaliana Ndolo of Sofapaka FC holds his Player of the Year Award trophies during the 2014 KPL Footballer of the Year Award (FOYA) gala at Safari Park Hotel on 19-11-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO.

The midfielder, who joined Batoto Ba Mungu in January, had a good season with the club, scoring 14 goals in all competitions (nine-KPL and five GOtv Shield). He also provided countless assists that helped the 2009 KPL champions win the GOtv Shield and finish second in just concluded season.

“Although we missed out on the KPL title, I think it was a good season for us and I am glad I won the two awards on my league debut. I can’t say more, but the feeling is just great. I thank my teammates for the big role they played in my recognition. Without them, individual awards would not be possible,” an emotional Ndolo said.
“I also thank my coaches and media for their exposure. I pray next season will be better.”

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Although Ndolo vowed to see out his contract with Sofapaka, which expires next June, he is not sure where he will be after that. “Football is business. If I get a good offer from another team, I am ready to move. But right now, I am committed to Sofapaka,” he Ndolo.

Asked how he felt on the roles he was given by coach Sam Timbe and the tactics he used to score goals, he said: “I thank the coach for the trust he showed in me. He knew what he wanted me to do and I delivered. Scoring is all about positioning yourself and I think I am good in that. I really enjoyed the attacking position.”

Apparently, the midfielder was dropped from the golden-boot second runners-up list despite scoring nine goals same as Tusker’s hit-man Jesse Were and Michael Olunga of Thika United. Prior to joining Batoto Ba Mungu, Ndolo graduated from Uganda’s Villa Academy to Sports Villa Academy, then joined Yanga of Tanzania, before settling at KCC FC in Uganda.

Elsewhere, FC Talanta coach Michael Nam, left the county on Wednesday for the United Kingdom to attend a five-week International Soccer coaches conference dubbed “Catalyst For Change.”

During his stay in London, the coach who is studying his coaching education with Britain’s Football Association, will visit Newcastle (For Coach the coach clinic) and study Newcastle United FC Youth Academy Development Programs.

“I am more than happy to have landed this invite to attend International Soccer Coaches conference by Football Association of the UK,” Nam told Feverpitch before departure.

“It’s a good opportunity to improve my coaching skills and progress in my career. I believe the training will help me impart modern football skills to our players.”