By Admin,

Sofapaka’s Anthony Ekaliana Ndolo emerged the best of the best after he was named the 2014 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) player of the year during the annual end of the year Gala awards ceremony held at
aNairobi Hotel.

Finishing second was Uganda born Geoffrey Kizito of Gor Mahia while Ulinzi Stars Stephen  Waruru came third.The category  attracted other nominees led by Osborne Monday,and Enock Agwanda.Football Kenya
Federation(FKF)President Sam Nyamweya handed the trophy to Ndolo amid thunderous cheers.

Ndolo was at the podium yet again after he was voted the best midfielder of the year 2014.He said  he dedicated the  trophy to his late mother who passed on when he was a small child.

Nyamweya promised to reward the player with a personal donation of Kshs.100,000 .The colourful Gala dinner was also graced  by Meru Governor Peter Kimunya who lauded both FKF and  KPL for taking football to the
counties.

However,the event lacked the usual glamour as most of the key players who were  expected to climb at the podium like Uganda duo of Dan Sserunkuma, and Geoffrey Baba Kizito  did not turn up as they were
away with Uganda Cranes .

Also missing in action was Sports Minister Dr,Hassan Wario and Commissioner of Sports  Gordon Oluoch.

As expected,Gor Mahia’s David’Calabar”Owino was named the best defender of the year.The player did not show up but his trophy was picked up at the podium by  team mate Goalkeeper Jerim Onyango.Charles Odette of Sony Sugar finished second in the category followed in third spot by Sofapaka’s Felly Mulumba.

Nevertheless,there were bitter protests in the background with the manner some categories were poorly handled.

Former International Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abbas,Gor Mahia’s deputy secretary Ronald Ngala,Kenya Football referee’s Association(KFRA)treasurer Peter Barasa and members of the media  felt Sofapaka ‘s duo
of coach Sam Timbe and Felly Mulumba  deserved to be  named as the best coach  and defender of the year  respectively.Both were relegated to second and third position respectively..

Last year’s best player of the year 2013 ,AFC Leopards Jacob Keli
was not part of the nominees.

Winners at a glance-

Young player of the year-Kennedy Owino(Nakuru AllStars)

Most Improved centre referee-Peter Waweru(Phd holder)

Most Improved Assistant Referee-Stephen Odour.

Fairplay team of the year 2014-Muhoroni Youth.

Best Fairest player-HamisiMwinyi of Chemelil Sugar.

Team Manager of the year-William Muluhya(MathareUnited)

Best Goalkeeper-Jairus Adiraof Chemelil Sugar.

Best Defender-David ‘Calabar”Owino of Gor Mahia.

Midfielder of the year 2014-Anthony Ndolo(Sofapaka)

Chairman’s Award-Ronald Ngala of Gor Mahia

Coach of the year 2014-Mike Mururi(Chemelil Sugar)

Top Scorer-Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma

2014 player of the year-Anthony Ndolo of Sofapaka.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com