Chemelil FC’s midfielder Echesa wins Sports Journalists Association of Kenya monthly ward

Sofapaka's Maurice Odipo (right) controls the ball under pressure from Hillary Echesa of Chemelil Sugar's Willis Obayi during their KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on 23-07-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Chemelil FC’s midfielder Hillary Echesa (pictured) becomes the fifth recipient of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sportspesa Footballer of the Month award.

Echesa was crowned the winner of the July Month after his outstanding performance in the last three league outings.

Echesa, 30, has been in great form after he scored the winning goals against AFC Leopards a fortnight ago, against struggling Sofapaka FC, and when put his name on the score sheet when they laboured to a 2-2 draw with league leaders Tusker FC.

The Chemelil midfielder walked home with a 43-inch LG television and Sh100,000, becoming the fifth recipient of the award this year.

Others who have won the award are Timothy Otieno of Posta Rangers, Sharif Mohamed of Bandari, Wycliffe Ochomo of Muhoroni Youth and Khalid Aucho, formerly of Gor Mahia.

The midfielder beat Nairobi City Stars forward Ezekiel Odera, AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ian Otieno and Ulinzi Stars striker John Makwata.

The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya voted overwhelmingly for Echesa who got 20 votes, while Odera got 11 for second place and keeper Otieno coming third with 10 votes. Makwata got nine.

“I’ll keep playing until it becomes impossible for me to compete with the young boys physically. I love playing football and I’m not exiting the scene anytime soon,” said Echesa.

His coach, Francis Baraza, said: “He won the award and it was not by a fluke. He was very influential and carried the team along. He is a box-to-box player and very instrumental.

“When he’s on top of his game, everyone steps up and we achieve good results. And when he’s not having a good game, it affects the entire team,” Baraza added.