Injera, Shikhalo and Nabwire feted at Magharibi Michezo Awards
Rugby
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Dec 23, 2018
Kenya Sevens star Collins Injera, Bandari goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo and General Service Unit's Abiud Chirchir were among the big winners at the 6th edition of the Magharibi Michezo Awards at the Bungoma Tourist Hotel on Saturday 22 December 2018.
Injera was feted the region's rugby personality of the decade for his exploits on the global stage with Shujaa, while Prisons Kenya's Mercy Moim scooped the volleyball player of the decade award.
Pioneering female professional footballer Doreen Nabwire received a similar accolade as the football personality of the decade.
"It feels great to be recognized back home after several years in sports. This award will go a long way to inspire many upcoming athletes," Nabwire told The Standard Sports.
Shikhalo walked away with the Footballer of the year award, barely two months after clinching the 2018 SportPesa Premier League goalkeeper of the year gong. The former Tusker and Muhoroni Youth custodian was invaluable to Bandari, inspiring them to a second place finish in the league-their best ever position in the club's history.
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Just like Shikhalo, it was the second accolade for Chirchir in less than a month, after he was named the most valuable player (men) at the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League playoffs. He was instrumental in GSU's back to back title defence.
"I can't explain this feeling. I thank God for everything, my teammates and coach for the support as well as my fans and family. I'm looking forward to another great year next season," said Chirchir.
George Mutiru was named men's hockey player of the year after helping Butali dethrone Police to reclaim the Premier League title while Kenyatta University's Cynthia Waluchio was rewarded in the women's category.
The Simiyu siblings, former Kenya Sevens Head Coach Innocent Simiyu and former Kenya captain Victor Sudi were feted for their outstanding contribution to sport. Simiyu steered Shujaa to their highest ever points tally last season, collecting 104 points for an eighth place finish on the sevens world series.
2018 Magharibi Michezo Awards winners
Winners
Basketball
Men's player of the year - Martin Kitongo KPA
Women's player of the year - Selina Okumu Equity
Football
Farouk Shikhalo -Bandari
Rugby
Player of the Year - George Nyambua (Kabras)
Most Promising Player - Ephraim Oduor - Kabras
Hockey
Men Player of the Year - George Mutiru - Butali
Women player of the year - Cynthia Waluchio Kenyatta University
Volleyball
Player of the Year Men - Abiud Cheruiyot GSU
Player of the Year Women - Joy Lusenaka Prisons
Legends Awards
Rugby Player of the Decade - Collins Injera
Footballer Player of the Decade - Doreen Nabwire
Basketball Player of the Decade - Hildah Indasi
Volleyball Player of the Decade - Mercy Moon
Coach of the Decade - David Lung'aho
Outstanding Contribution To Sport - The Simiyu family