Pomp and Colour as Gor Mahia dominate FKF Gala Awards

Record-extending 21-time KPL Champions Gor Mahia went home with the lion’s share as the Football Kenya Federations Gala awards returned after three years.

In a colourful ceremony at Safari Park Hotel on Friday, KO’gallo swept four titles out of a possible eight, after winning their record-extending 21st league title last season

KO'gallo midfield maestro Austin Odhiambo who mesmerized fans with his deft touches and killer passes was named player of the year, beating his team mate Rooney Onyango and  John Mark Makwata of Kariobangi Sharks to the gong.

MVP, Austin who crowned the season with a stellar performance at the COSAFA tournament in South Africa with with Harambee Stars U-23 side, managed 13 goals and 12 assists, to finish ahead of defender Rooney and  Makwata.

Odhiambo who had been linked with a move to the Belgian top league side KAA Gent, said he was pleased to have won the coveted award and will strive for more next season.

“The season has been tough and us winning the league back-to-back doesn’t mean it wasn’t competitive. I didn't see the award coming but after the first leg I felt I could have a shot, and I thank teammates for pushing harder.” Said Odhiambo.

Gor  Striker Benson Omala won the Golden Boot with 19 goals overcoming Mark Makwata and former Police man Tito Okello who struck 16 goals each, while teammate Kevin Omondi won the golden glove after keeping 22 clean sheets.

Former KO’gallo tactician  Johnathan McKinstry who left for the Gambia national team, beat police FC’s Salim Babu and former Tusker manager Robert Matano to the coach of the year award, after leading Gor to back-to-back league titles.

Tusker FC’s Timothy Olobulu won the social media manager of the year for the second year running, while newcomers Shabana FC carried home the fair play team of the year.

In the women's category Kenya Police Bullets star Lydia Akoth beat teammate Rebecca Okwaro and Kibera Soccer Ladies Maximiliah Robi to win the MVP.

Bullets head coach Beldin Odemba won the WPL Coach of the Year after leading her side to their first-ever League title unbeaten.

Tumaini Waliaula of Vihiga Queens won the Golden Boot after banging 16 goals last season.

Meanwhile, Judith Osimbo of Ulinzi Starlets and Sophy Akinyi of Vihiga Queens shared the Golden Glove award after both keeping 10 clean sheets.  

Junior Starlets Head Coach Mildred Cheche received the President’s Award after leading the girls to Kenya’s first World Cup appearance in football.

Vihiga Queens won the Fair Play and Social Media of the Year to take home four awards, while Josephine Wanjiku and Dickens Memisa won the Referees of the Year for the WPL and KPL respectively.