Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa was voted the best coach in the SJAK-Football awards ahead of Kariobangi Sharks’ William Muluya and Mike Mururi of Kakamega Homeboyz.
The Ugandan had a fairytale run last season guiding Sofapaka to second place and making them title challengers, losing out on the title to Gor Mahia. This was just a season after Sofapaka survived relegation in 2016.
Another Ugandan, Godfrey Walusimbi missed out on the best defender of the season award after his teammate and Captain Muhammad Musa won the accolade.
Gor Mahia’s Ugandan-born Rwandan forward Meddie Kagere won the 2017 SJAK Most Valuable Player award after piping his challengers, midfielder George Odhiambo and Masoud Juma, to claim the top gong.
Winners in each category were awarded with a DSTV compact decoder and a 49- inch LG TV set.
The Sport Journalists of Kenya Association (SJAK) Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Awards gala was held on Monday night at the Louis Leakey Auditorium, National Museum in Nairobi.
Winners:
Coach of the Year Award; Sam Ssimbwa – Sofapaka FC
Most Valuable Player; Meddie Kagere – Gor Mahia
Golden Boot Award; Masoud Juma – Kariobangi Sharks
Midfielder of the Year; George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo – Gor Mahia
Defender of the year; Musa Mohammed – Gor Mahia
Golden Glove; John Oyemba – Kariobangi Sharks
New/Young Player; Nicholas Kipkirui – Zoo FC
SJAK Female MVP Award; Esse Akida – Starlet
