SJAK, SportPesa launch monthly football awards

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players have a reason to up their game after Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and sports lottery firm SportPesa launched a monthly Football Player of the Month Award.

The partnership, which will be renewed annually, will see the best player every month pocket Sh50,000, besides a 42-inch television and a trophy.

SportPesa Chief Marketing Officer Kester Shimonyo said during the launch at a Nairobi hotel yesterday that the partnership aims to empower top KPL players. 

"We have been in the local market for one and a half years and it is now time to engage in some Corporate Social  Responsibility ventures in football and boxing. We are going to put more money next year and we look forward to a good partnership," said Shimonyo.

KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier welcomed the initiative, saying the awards will encourage players do their best in the top-tier league.

"This is a good initiative that will impact positively in the field. It is not about the scores but the performance, work rate and the contribution of the players in the league. It will go a long way in improving the standards of football in the country," said Rachier.

The players will be selected by a panel of five journalists from the SJAK based on performance on the field of play; the assists, number of cards received, matches played, passes completed and above all, the player must have shown high levels of discipline.

Speaking during the lunch of the partnership, SJAK chairman Chris Mbaisi said the awards will go a long way in strengthening the football standards in the country.

"The awards will make the Premier League more exciting especially at a time when some clubs are struggling financially. It will also act as a motivator in the league," Mr Mbaisi said, adding the awards will be used as a stepping stone towards the annual Kenyan Premier League awards.