SJAK award gives Shariff wind in his sails

Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Player of the Month for March, Shariff Mohammed, has said the monthly gong will motivate him to scale higher heights in his career.

The defender has been a star performer for Bandari FC this season and shrugged off competition from AFC Leopards’ duo of Kepha Aswani and Lucas Indeche, Muhoroni forward Wycliffe Ochomo and City Stars captain Oscar Mbugua to win the monthly award.

“I have been nominated for many other awards but among all those I have never scooped the top prize. I would like to thank my fellow players because they are the ones that have always supported me. My coach has always guided me so I thank him too,” he told Citizen Digital.

His coach, Twahir Muhiddin, was all praise for the towering central defender, saying that he has for long been a gem to his side although he receives little plaudits for his displays.

“He should be a good example to others. Sometimes you don’t receive enough recognition for the contributions you make but that shouldn’t stop you from giving your best everytime,” Muhiddin said.

“He was not an instant star here at Bandari but he has grown into a very mature defender. He reads the game well.”

His partnership with new arrival Felly Mulumba has been impenetrable with the two center backs responsible for the GOtv Shield champions’ joint league low two goals conceded in March.

Shariff received Sh100, 000 from league title sponsors, SportPesa, and a 43-inch television from co-sponsors Electronics firm LG. The team will also be rewarded with Sh50000.

The defender limped off in the match against Tusker FC and could miss two league matches – against Muhoroni Youth and Posta Rangers.

“I am recovering well and soon, hopefully, I will be fit enough to play.”

He becomes the second player to win the award in 2016, after Posta Rangers’ forward Timothy Otieno who won the February edition.