How Keli beat a star-studded field to bag top prize

BY GILBERT WANDERA

After an amazing season during which he motivated his club to end the Kenya Premier League (KPL) in their best ever position, KCB midfielder Jacob Keli was rightfully rewarded as the country’s best player in 2013.

It was a double honour for the diminutive player who also emerged as the top scorer of the season with 17 goals to his name and he could not help but shed tears of joy after being rewarded.

Accompanied by his two-year-old son and wife, Keli attributed his success to hard work and sacrifice and moved the audience with the revelation that he had thought of quitting the sport two years ago due to frustration and lack of support.

“I have no words to explain how it feels to have been crowned the country’s best player. Two years ago, I thought of leaving football. I was so dejected because no one believed in me.

“I want to thank everyone and especially my coach for believing in me and challenging me to strive to be thr best. To be where I am, I made a lot of sacrifices including spending more time in the gymnasium and waking up early to train.

“At the beginning of the season, the coach challenged me to work hard towards emerging the top scorer and I want to thank him for his belief in my ability,” said an emotional Keli.

His coach Abdalla Juma was named the coach of the year after turning KCB into a formidable force in the just concluded season.

Juma took over the bankers at the beginning of the season and helped them to maintain good performance throughout the season, resulting in a fourth place finish which is their best ever.

In his acceptance speech Juma thanked the players and fellow coaches for voting for him.

“It humbles me to have been named the best coach and I want to thank the players and management of KCB and fellow coaches for believing in me,” said Juma.

Two years ago, Juma was sacked from Thika United and joined relegated side Congo United, but stayed for just one season.  He briefly handled division one side Bidco before leaving to join KCB.

In emerging the country’s best player, Keli beat Shaban Kenga of Bandari who finished second and David Owino of Gor Mahia who finished third.

Gor Mahia custodian Jerim Onyango was eventually named goalkeeper of the year after narrowly missing out last season.

The Gor Mahia custodian finished second last season though most people felt he should have been rewarded with the top prize.

However, this time around he did not miss out especially after helping his club win the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after an 18 year wait.

Speaking after being crowned the country’s top goalkeeper, Onyango said he expected it.

“In 2010, I finished third and last year, I was second. It is no surprise to win this season. I want to thank my fellow players, fans and all officials for their support,” said Onyango.

The surprise winner was KCB midfielder Brian Osumba, who beat experienced players such as AFC Leopards midfielder Peter Opiyo and Thika United’s Francis Kahata who finished third and second.

Gor Mahia defender David Owino was named the best defender capping a great season finishing ahead of John Odhiambo of KCB and Felly Mulumba of Sofapaka.

The winners:

Player of the Year: Jacob Keli (KCB); Goalkeeper of the Year: Jerim Onyango (Gor Mahia); Defender of the Year: David Owino (Gor Mahia); Midfielder of the Year: Brian Osumba (KCB). Young player of the Year: Sammy Mejja (Thika United); Best Fair play Player: Dennis Onkangi (Bandari); Coach of the Year: Abdalla Juma (KCB);  Team Manager of the Year: Jacob Ochang (KCB); Fair play team of the Year: Western Stima; Best Referee: Davies Omweno; Best Assistant Referee: Aden Marwa; Chairman’s Award: Doris Petra (FKF NEC member).