Isuza named Mathare United MVP, Midfilder of the Year

Whyvonne Isuza has been named Mathare United’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the club recognized their star performers for the 2016 season in an awards ceremony held on Monday.

Isuza also won the Midfielder of the Year award took home a total of KSh80,000 and a personalized trophy, coming barely a week after he finished first runners up in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) FOYA Midfielder of the Year category.

Speaking after the event, Isuza said he was optimistic awarding players will go a long way in motivating them to give their best.

“I’m happy for the award because it is always good to be recognized for working hard. I want to thank my teammates as well as the coaching staff for the support this season. It is a good initiative in terms of motivation to the players,” Isuza said.

Robert Mboya was recognized as the best goalkeeper while George Owino, beating his three other compatriots, Wycliffe Kasaya, Peter Odhiambo and Geoffrey Atiel while George Owino carried the day for the Defender of the Year award.

Owino was also feted for having enjoyed more playtime than any other player, after he clocked over 2,700 minutes this season.

Obadiah Ndege won the best striker award having struck seven goals in the in the league, just one shy of Isuza although he registered more assists.

Andrew Juma won the Most Improved Young Player award. The last category, Best Community Service Award, had eight players tying in points.

David Mwangi, Daniel Mwaura, Alphonce Ndonye, Peter Odhiambo, Lennox Ogutu, Vincent Okello, Derrick Onyango,and George Owino took home Ksh. 5,000 each to make a total of Ksh 40,000 reserved for the category.

All other individual awards attracted KSh40,000 prize money.

Club’s founder and Chairman Bob Munro graced the awards ceremony, the first of its kind in history.

Mathare finished seventh in the 16-team KPL log with 44, under the tutelage of veteran coach Francis Kimanzi.

Best Goalkeeper: Robert Mboya

Best Defender: George Owino

Best Midfielder: Whyvonne Isuza

Most Minutes Played: George Owino

Most Improved Young Player: Andrew Juma

Most Goals/Assists: Obadiah Ndege

Best Player/Fairplay: Whyvonne Isuza