Wanyama wins award

Southampton's Victor Wanyama celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League match at the KC Stadium. PHOTO/ AFP

Nairobi,  Kenya: Victor Wanyama has been voted as Goal Kenya Player of the Year 2014, winning the award courtesy of overwhelming votes from readers of the website.

The Southampton and Harambee Stars’ midfielder led the field that included illustrious compatriots Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth, Arnold Origi, Stephen Waruru and Enock Agwanda with an overwhelming 67 percent of votes cast between December 1-5, 2014.

A joyful Wanyama, revealed after learning of his latest achievement. “I’m happy, really happy. I want to thank all those who were involved in voting for me. I also want to thank my teammates at Southampton, Harambee Stars, my coaches, my fans for the same.

“I have enjoyed a good season at Southampton and I am looking forward to keep improving on the same. I train hard every day to improve on the pitch and I thank God for giving me strength to keep fighting hard. I want to wish my fellow opponents a good season because without them…maybe we could not have had such an award.”

Wanyama is second player to win Goal Kenya Player of the Year award after former Gor Mahia defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, who clinched accolade in 2013. “It is good to be recognized back home,” added Wanyama. “I also want to ask Kenyan players to keep working hard. If they work hard, with God, everything is possible.”

The stocky man has been pivotal to Southampton's dream run in English Premier League, with his imposing command of proceedings in the centre of the pack for Ronald Koeman's side, for which he has featured week-in-week-out.

In 2014, he won the African player of EPL in September, to add onto his goal-scoring feat with his three goals for Southampton.