Dominant Gor Mahia sweep all honours in 23/24 season gala awards

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia had a night to remember at the 23/24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League end-of-season gala as they bagged all the major awards on offer in the Friday (26) event held at the Safari Park in Nairobi.

Creative midfielder Austin Odhiambo was deservingly crowned the men’s Most Valuable Player after a remarkable campaign that ended with the attacking midfielder finally making his debut in the senior national team.

Odhiambo, was the highest-scoring midfielder in the season as he found the back of the net 12 times and racked in a further 13 assists, taking his goal contribution to 25 for the season.

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His wizardry on the pitch directly affected his striker up front as Benson Omalla walked away with the Golden Boot following an impressive tally of 19 goals, most of the goals coming as a result of clever link-up play with Odhiambo.

While their attack shone, their rearguard was also resolute as Kevin Omondi got the Golden Glove having managed 21 clean sheets in 34 matches.

The day ended with Northern Irish tactician Johnathan McKinstry, who departed the club to assume a new role as national team boss for The Gambia, being crowned as the Coach of the Year after leading K’Ogalo to their record-extending 21st title.

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Elsewhere, Lydia Akoth from Kenya Police Bullets was the Most Valuable Player in the FKF Women Premier League.

Beldine Odemba, who led Bullets to an unbeaten season, was celebrated as the FKF WPL Coach of the Year.

Vihiga Queens forward Tumaini Waliaula scored 16 goals to claim the top spot in the women’s league while the Golden Glove award was shared between Judith Osimbo of Ulinzi Starlets and Sophy Akinyi of Vihiga Queens after the duo registered 10 clean sheets.

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Josephine Wanjiku and Dickens Mimisa were honored with the FKF Women Premier League and FKF Premier League Referee of the Year awards respectively.

Tusker FC and Vihiga Queens were recognized with the Social Media of the Year awards for their respective leagues while Shabana and Vihiga Queens were awarded the Fair Play Awards

Junior Starlets Head Coach Mildred Cheche received the President’s Award for her exceptional leadership in guiding her team to Kenya’s first World Cup appearance in football.

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