Bandari teenager crowned leagues best, wants to emulate Wanyama

Free-scoring Bandari midfielder Anthony Wambani is the February KPL Player of the Month. The 18-year-became the first player to bag the coveted award this year, trouncing other top performers.

Having scored three crucial league goals that won the coastal outfit six points; a season-opening brace against a fancied Sofapaka on match day one and a solo effort against newbies Wazito, Wambani has emerged among the most influential players in the league so far.

To bag the award, Wambani beat Farouk Shikhalo, Mathare United’s Crispin Oduor and Gor Mahia’s Meddie Kagere.

And for his heroics, Wambani took home a 49-inch LG television set as well as Sh.100, 000. His team -mates also got Sh 50,000 from organizers Sports Journalists Association of Kenya.

Shikhalo who stepped into the big boots of retired Wilson Obungu was shortlisted for keeping four clean sheets while the influential Oduor and Kagere scored crucial goals for their teams.

It was, however, the Bandari teenager who found favour among the football writers bagging 18 points to claim the trophy.

Oduor whose goal against Sofapaka ranks as the best so far this term came second on 16 points while Kagere was third on 14 points.

Other than the four players who made the final cut, Mathare’s Francis Omondi and injured Gor Mahia right-back Wellington Ochieng were among the nominees.

Wambani threw down gauntlet upon receiving his first recognition, vowing to help his club vie for silverware.

“I’m glad I got off well this season and my prayer and hope is that I get even better because I believe there is more to come. This award is humbling to me as I did not expect it even though I knew I did well in February. It’s an inspiration and my focus is more vivid now. I know I can get to the top and realize my dream of emulating Victor Wanyama and making it big in Europe,”the teenage midfielder said.

Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo lauded Wambani and the entire squad for the fine start to the season. The tactician said that his focus is to better the performance  of the coast based side after an underwhelming campaign in 2017

“We strengthened with a view of challenging for the title and so far I’m impressed with what the boys have done. Besides the loss to Gor Mahia we have managed to get points from traditionally tough opponents and it’s even better when we do not concede goals. I believe we have the capacity to vie for silverware and probably return to the continental stage.” The former City Stars coach said .