HONOURS: Wanga and Agala in Magharibi Michezo awards list

Former Kenyan international Allan Wanga (left) presenting an award to national women's volleyball team player Sharon Chepchumba during 2018 Magharibi Michezo Awards, at Tourist Hotel, Bungoma.[Photo: Courtesy]

It is all systems go for the seventh edition of Magharibi Michezo Awards (MMA) to be held at Tourist Hotel, Bungoma County, on Monday.

The event is aimed at recognising and rewarding the crème de la crème of western Kenya sports in 25 categories from different disciplines ranging from football, rugby, volleyball to hockey among others.

Kakamega Homeboyz striker Allan Wanga, who finished as joint top scorer with Ulinzi Stars’ Enock Ochieng and Sofapaka’s Umaru Kasumba on 17 goals in the 2018/2019 Kenyan Premier League season, headlines the men’s football category that has Gor Mahia defender Joash Onyango, AFC Leopards Whyvonne Isuza, Homeboyz youngster Peter Thiong’o and Bandari’s Brian Otieno.

Harambee Starlets’ Jentrix Shikangwa will battle it out with her national team captain Dorcas Shikobe and Vihiga United’s Cynthia Shilwatso, Topista Situma and Tereza Engesa in the women’s category.

Recently crowned National Volleyball League best players Abiud Chirchir (GSU) and Brackcides Agala (Prisons) are favourites in their respective volleyball categories.

Chirchir faces stiff competition from his GSU teammate Brian Meli and KPA’s duo of Elijah Bosire and Sam Juma while former Malkia Strikers captain Agala will square it out with Sharon Chepchumba, Leonida Kasaya (KCB), Carolyne Sirengo (DCI) and Prisons’ Joy Luseneka.

Kenya Lionesses star Janet Okelo has been nominated in rugby women’s category alongside Christabel Lindo, Stella Wafula (Impala) and Naomi Amuguni (Mwamba).

Menengai Oilers’ Austin Sikutwa battles Mwamba’s Joel Inzuga, Sam Onsomu (Impala), Mike Wanjala (KCB) and Johnstone Mung’au (Kabras Sugar) in men’s category.