Telkom goalie Onyango wins SJAK award

Telkom women’s hockey club goalkeeper Cynthia Onyango is the StarTimes/SJAK sports personality of the month for January 2018.

Onyango beat tennis teen sensations Ryan Randiek and Sneha Kotecha, and boxer Nick Okoth to be the seventh recipient of the coveted prize.

The 24-year- old was voted by a panel of journalists after she emerged the best goal keeper during last month’s Africa Cup for Club Champions tourney in Accra, Ghana.

Onyango conceded only two goals in six matches as Telkom, nine time winners of the competition, took silver after losing 1-0 to Ghana Revenue Authority in the final.

Despite Telkom failing to defend their title, Onyango won accolades from coaches and other players for her prowess in goal. Her brilliant saves during the final saw the hosts only win by a solitary goal to claim their first continental title.

“It was such a good tournament and I am happy with the award even though we did not retain it. We will come back stronger next year and win it back,” the goalie said after the final match.

She only conceded three goals throughout the 2017/2018 Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League season to help her team to an unprecedented 20th crown. Other athletes who have been honored with the SJAK/StarTimes award are Simon Kibai Cherono (Deaflympics), Helen Obiri (athletics), Janet Okelo (rugby), Ismail Changawa (Tennis), Edith Wisa (volleyball) and Fatuma Zarika )boxing).

Onyango received the monthly award on Wednesday at the City Park Stadium in Nairobi amidst her teammates and the management of the team’s sponsors Telkom Kenya.

“This is a great surprise, thank you StarTimes for being the sponsors and SJAK for considering me for this prize. This truly goes a long way to inspire and motivate me to work harder. It also goes to show that hockey is an important sport in the country,” she underlined.

The national team first choice keeper was awarded a StarTimes 42-inch digital television set and KSh100,000.

“Telkom has been on top for many years and Onyango’s prowess in goal has been one of the reasons for that and it is only fitting that we award her today. “She is an inspiration to many, especially girls who are eager to play for Telkom and also the national team,” StarTimes Director of Marketing and PR, Mr. Japheth Akhulia, said.

“As a brand, StarTimes will endeavor to encourage our sports men and women through these awards as a way of recognizing their dedicated efforts in the industry.

“If you are an athlete, put more effort in your discipline. It is this extra effort that has seen Onyango crowned as a world champion,” Akhulia underscored.

SJAK chairman, Chris Mbaisi, said the association ventured into the unique monthly awards to give non-football players a chance to be recognized. “We are happy that these awards are already inspiring players to work hard to accomplish their aim,” Mbaisi noted.