Gor prodigy leads the way at KPL awards nominees list

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sensation Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has been nominated in two categories at the KPL award nominees in a dream debut season for the Gor Mahia left-back.

Week in week out Marcelo has made the headlines for his seemingly effortless yet steady defending and marauding runs down the left flank since thrusting himself onto the limelight.

His brilliance has earned a place at the national team and now a place alongside old stagers including Mark Makwata (Ulinzi Stars), Kenneth Muguna (Western Stima) and title-winning duo; Tusker FC’s Humphrey Mieno and David Okello for the Most valuable Player (MVP) of the Year battle in an event gala slated for December, 14.

The 20-year-old also made the New Player of the Year list where he will rival his teammate, striker Jacques Tuyisenge. Also in competition are Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Muguna, and Calvin Odongo (Posta rangers).

Ouma made 32 appearances for Gor in all competitions, providing eight assists and forming a deadly partnership with Tuyisenge as the pairing yielded six goals of the Rwandese’ 10 for the season.

Ouma notably was an asset to the team, playing both not only in his natural defensive position but also on the offensive in the left channel, which saw Stars coach Stanley Okumbi deploy him to the wing position during the Zambia and Liberia international duties.

The former Kakamega High player will have to beat his seniors and league stalwarts for the coveted prize.

Custodian Okello was equally influential for his side, posting impressive performances in goal while Makwata’s tally of 15 league goals made him the most lethal striker although he struggled to reproduce the same form with the Harambee Stars.

-Golden glove-

Posta Rangers goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Gor’s Boniface Oluoch, David Okello, Ulinzi’s James Saruni Kakamega Homeboyz’s Michael Wanyika will contest for the goalkeeper of the year, while George Owino (Mathare), Noah Abich (Sofapaka), Musa Mohammed(Gor),Joakins Atudo(Posta Rangers) and James Situma race for the defender of the year.

Western Stima’s Kenneth Muguna leads the midfieder of the year list which also has Mathare United’s Whyvonne Isuza, Tusker’s Humphrey Mieno, Mathare United’s Eric Johanna and Hillary Echesa and Francis Kahata form the midfielder of the year list.

As expected, Makwatta leads the strikers running for the finest goal poacher gong with Muhoroni Youth’s Wycliffe Ochomo and AFC Leopards’ Kepha Aswani.

Muguna, Posta Rangers’ Calvin Odongo, Gor’s Jacques Tuyisenge, City Stars Oliver Maloba and Stima’s Brian Marita are in the category of the new player of the year.

Tusker’s Paul Nkata, Chemelil Sugar’s Francis Baraza, Gor’s Jose Marcelo Faerrira, Stima’s Henry Omino and Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno of Posta were nominated for the coach of the year award.

The nominees were voted by KPL club captains, coaches and Sports Journalists Association (SJAK) members.