Kapaito surprises many at KPL gala

Erick Kapaito display his Valuable player of the year award trophy during Sportpesa KPL Awards at the School of Government in Kabete on Thursday 25/10/19[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Kerr named best coach as champs Gor Mahia win only two awards.

Kariobangi Sharks striker Eric Kapaito was the unexpected and biggest winner in Thursday’s night 2018 SportPesa Premier League Foya Awards at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete, in Nairobi.

Kapaito (main picture) picked up four accolades on the night including the league’s Most Valuable Player award, New Player of the Year, the prestigious Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals on his SPL debut as well as the Fair Play Player of the year first runners up award.

Cliff Nyakeya display his Midfield of the year award trophy during Sportpesa KPL Awards at the School of Government in Kabete on Thursday 25/10/19[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

The former Talanta man beat last year’s MVP winner Michael Madoya (Zoo Kericho) and Mathare United’s Cliff Nyakeya to the major award to pocket a total of Sh1.775 million in prize money (MVP-Sh 1million, golden boot-Sh 500,000, new player-Sh200,000 and fair play player runners up-Sh75,000).

Felly Mulumba display his Defender of the year award trophy during Sportpesa KPL Awards at the School of Government in Kabete on Thursday 25/10/19[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

It was a moment to savour and an emotional evening for Kapaito, who recovered from an injury in June to lead Sharks to a sixth place finish in the league and help them secure a CAF Confederations Cup ticket after beating Sofapaka 3-2 in the Shield final.

Faruk Shikhalu display his Golden Glove of the year award trophy during Sportpesa KPL Awards at the School of Government in Kabete on Thursday 25/10/19[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

He couldn’t hide his excitement as tears of joy rolled down his cheeks when his name was announced to pick up the biggest gong of the night from SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri.

Vincent Okello display his Team Manager of the year Award trophie during Sportpesa KPL Awards at the School of Government in Kabete on Thursday 25/10/19[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

“It is a great feeling. I thank God for making my dream come true. I got injured when I was in fine form, but thanks to the team doctor and the technical bench I managed to come back stronger and here  I’m a winner today,” said a tearful Kapaito.