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He is just 20 years old — but riding high.
Kenneth Muguna is this year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Most Valuable Player (MVP). And yes, he managed the fete in his first season in the competitive league.
The Western Stima player was also named as the best midfielder and runners-up in the New Player Of The Year category — he took home a cool Sh1.6million and two LG television sets.
There was always something special in the young Muguna who started his football career at Kisumu based Palos where he terrorised defenders before he was grabbed by the power men for a stint in the top league.
During the first leg of the league, Muguna partnered alongside Baron Okech — another youngster who gave the power men a memorable start to the season — making Stima serious contenders for the title right from the start.
His precision with the ball was admirable. He exhibited a stunning killer pass which saw him make ten assists for the entire season. He also scored four goals to help Stima finish sixth on the log.
His real potential was however shown in the second leg. With Baron Okech having left to join Gor Mahia, Muguna found time to express himself freely and in August alone scored twice to be named player of the month by sports journalists.
His performance soared and it was no surprise when he was named the baddest of them all, beating a list that included more experienced players like Tusker’s Humphrey Mieno and David Okello, John Makwata of Ulinzi stars and youngster Eric Ouma of Gor Mahia.
Muguna’s victory no doubt generated a lot of controversy given his youth — and the fact that it was his first season in the League. But the fact that there was no clearly outstanding player in the just concluded season, compared to say last year when Michael Olunga shone, made it easy to pick the Western Stima midfielder.
Full list of winners: Team Manager of the year
1. George Opondo (Tusker), Fairplay Team (kamega Homeboyz).
2. Assistant Referee of the year: Gilbert Cheruiyot.
3. Referee of the year : Anthony Ogwayo
4. Golden Glove: Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers).
5. Defender of the Year: Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers).
6. Midfielder of the Year: Kenneth Muguna (Western Stima).
7. Fairplay Player: Ali Bai (Kakamega Homeboyz),
8. New Player of the Year: Eric Ouma (Gor Mahia).
9. Coach of the year. Paul Nkata (Tusker).
10. Golden Boot John Makwata (Ulinzi Stars) 11. Most Valuable Player Kenneth Muguna (Western Stima).
