Sserunkuma out as KPL unveils list of best players to be feted tonight

Gor Mahia striker Danny Sserunkuma in action Bandari Fc during the KPL match at City stadium on 24-09-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Gor Mahia forward Dan Sserunkuma is a surprise exclusion from the final list of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) best players who will be feted tonight at the annual gala.

The Ugandan forward should have been on the final list for emerging top scorer with 16 goals if the past trend is anything to go by.

The short-list of top players is usually done by all the 16 KPL coaches who, in the past, included the league’s top scorer with a few of them eventually winning the title.

Some past KPL top scorers who have won the award include Jacob Keli (2013) and Francis Ouma who was formerly at Mathare United and clinched it in 2008.

Despite missing out on the final list, no one can deny that Sserunkuma’s 16 goals contributed greatly to helping Gor Mahia win the KPL for the second year in a row.

In his absence, the battle for the top honour will be left to Gor Mahia midfielder Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Sofapaka duo of striker Enock Agwanda and midfielder Anthony Ndolo, Tusker’s Osborne Monday and Stephen Waruru of Ulinzi Stars.

Kizito is favourite to win the award given the influence he has had on Gor Mahia this season, having emerged man of the match in not less than three matches during the season.

If Kizito wins it, he will become just the second foreign player to win the award after Sserunkuma won it in 2012.

Gor Mahia captain Jerim Onyango is poised to win goalkeeper of the year accolade for second year in a row after helping his club retain the title this season. He will fight it out against Samuel Odhiambo (Tusker), Robert Mboya (Mathare United), Lucas Indeche (Sony Sugar) and Jairus Adira (Chemelil ).

The coaches’ battle will pit Muhoroni Youth’s Francis Baraza and Sam Timbe of Sofapaka, as well as Robert Matano (Ulinzi). Mike Mururi (Chemelil) and Francis Kimanzi (Tusker) are also in contention for best tactician.

Faruk Shikhalo (Tusker), Kennedy Owino (Nakuru All Stars), Nicholas Kamau (City Stars), Kevin Omondi (City Stars) and Andrew Anton (Sony Sugar) will vie for the New Young Player of the Year.

Veteran Charles Okwemba (AFC Leopards) will vie for Fairplay Players of the Year Award with Hamisi Mwinyi (Chemelil Sugar), Barrack Odhiambo (KRA), Maurice Odhiambo (All Stars) and John Njoroge (Sofapaka).

The winners in all categories will pocket Sh100,000 with the runners-up going away with Sh75,000 and those who finish third earn Sh50,000.