Sofapaka midfielder Ndolo crowned the 2014 KPL player of the Year

2014 Kenya premier leagua awards winners during the 2014 KPL Footballer of the Year Award (FOYA) gala at Safari Park Hotel on 19-11-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO.

Sofapaka midfielder Anthony Ekhaliani Ndolo became the second player in the history of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) awards when he was named player and midfielder of the year on Wednesday night.

Since the awards were introduced in 2009, only Kevin Kimani has bagged both awards when he achieved this feat in 2011.

It was a huge pay day for Ndolo who received a total of Sh300,000 for his achievement. This include Sh200,000 for being named player of the year and Sh100,000 for being named midfielder of the year.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman, Sam Nyamweya, pledged a personal donation of Sh100,000 to the player who was too emotional to even comment on his double win.

"I dedicate this to myself," he said amid tears on the podium when he was asked to give a comment after being named the player of the year.

Later after composing himself, Ndolo attributed the award to his efforts throughout the season.

"I thank God because my hard work has paid off even though I did not win both awards in my first season in the league. When I joined Sofapaka, I just wanted to build a foundation in the league before anything else but winning a double is a big honour," he said.

In bagging the top award, Ndolo beat stiff opposition from Gor Mahia midfielder Godfrey Kizito and Ulinzi Stars forward Steven Waruru who finished second and third respectively.

Other winners:

Jairus Adira-Chemelil Sugar (Goalkeeper of the year):

This was one of the surprise winners of the night, but the scales could have been tipped in his favour looking at the rise of Chemelil this season. Adira was in goal for a good part of the season and is one of the players responsible for helping Chemelil finish fifth on the log.

He beat experienced Jerim Onyango of Gor Mahia who finished third and youthful Mathare United custodian Robert Mboya who emerged runners up.

David 'Calabar' Owino- Gor Mahia (Defender of the year):

He is the only player who retained his award which he won last year when he was named defender of the year for the consecutive time in a row. Owino had everything going for him. Apart from leading Gor Mahia to winning the title, he was also a key player in the national team Harambee Stars. Charles Odette of Sony Sugar was named first runner-up with Felly Mulumba of Sofapaka emerging third.

Kennedy Owino Nakuru All Stars (Young player of the year):

Nakuru All Stars were relegated, but, at least, they have something to show for their time in the top league. This award is likely to open many opportunities for Owino, who finished ahead of Nicholas Kamau and Kevin Omondi both from Nairobi City Stars.

Mike Mururi - Chemelil (Coach of the year):

This was a surprise winner in this category, but Mururi still gets the thumbs up for helping Chemelil to move from 10th place last season to fifth on the log this season.

It was a tight race for Mururi, who faced equally-deserving Sam Timbe (Sofapaka) and Robert Matano (Ulinzi Stars).

Peter Waweru (Referee of the year):

The PHD holder in Pure Mathematics is just in his second season in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

He beat other experienced referees Anthony Ongwae and Moses Osano to the top award. Other winners: Steven Oduor (Most Improved Assistant referee), Hamisi Mwinyi-Chemelil (Fair Play). William Muluya-Mathare United (Team manager of the year), Muhoroni Youth (Fair play team of the year) and Ronald Ngala (Chairman's award).