Nakuru County League set for inaugural awards gala

Manyani Soccer Club players during a half-time break in a past Nakuru County League match at Kisulisuli Grounds. [Ben Ahenda, Standard]

For the first time, winners of the Nakuru County Football Association (CFA) League will receive cash prizes during the inaugural awards ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony to be attended by clubs, players, referees and coaches who featured in the 2022/2023 season will be held at ASK Nakuru Showground.

Besides the league winners, also to be awarded are outstanding players, referees, and coaches at a ceremony aimed at motivating all football stakeholders to give their best in developing the game.

The event’s co-ordinator Peter ‘Kasskass’ Kamau said their aim is to ensure Nakuru County regains its lost glory both in football development and nurturing talent.

“We are to ensure that all outstanding players, referees and coaches get a smile on their faces at the end of each season. This is aimed at uplifting the county’s football standards for some of our players to get selected into the national team, Harambee Stars as was in the past,” Kamau who is a former Shabana and Kisumu Posta striker told Standard Sports.

Former Shabana and Kisumu Posta winger Peter 'Kass Kass' Kamau (right ) when he donated footballs to a number of clubs in Nakuru City.[Ben Ahenda,Standard]

He said awarding outstanding teams and players is a normal practice world over and Nakuru should not be an exception.

The league winners will receive a total of Sh70,000.

Also to be awarded are the runners-up, the third and fourth finishers who’ll each receive Sh50,000, Sh20,000 and Sh10,000 respectively.

Manyani Soccer Club won the league title after amassing 45 points from 20 matches ahead of Eva Stars Youth (43), Wembley (38) and Machinery FC (32).

Manyami SC coach Bernard Otieno said he was determined to see they get promoted each year until they feature in the top tier Kenyan Premier League.

"It's a step at a time as our focus is to take part in the top tier Kenyan Premier League in the future," said Otieno

The Most Valuable Player, Golden Boot Award, and Best Goalkeeper winners will also receive cash awards and trophies.

Also to be awarded are the best referee and coach and the most Disciplined Team according to Kamau.

FKF Nakuru County League and Competitions Committee chairman Eliakim Mbalilwa confirmed they are ready for the event.