Tusker fetes clubs finest in mid-season awards

Goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng, defender James Situma and midfielder Humphrey Mieno were among the big winners at Tusker FC’s mid-season awards held at the KBL offices in Ruaraka.

Ochieng walked away with the Best Goalkeeper and Impact Player awards while Captain Situma won the best defender’s award. Mieno clinched the Best Midfielder award.

There were a total of six award categories up for grabs, with other winners including Michael Khamati who won the Best Striker’s award and Marlon Tangauzi who picked the Most Improved Player award.

Ochieng was lauded for his exemplary performance in the first half of the season, the stopper playing a vital role in the team’s turn around this season.

The defending league and Cup champions started the 2017 season with back-to-back losses, but a run of 11 unbeaten games has seen them rise to second spot on the Kenyan Premier League standings, level on points with leaders Gor Mahia FC.

While awarding the players, Tusker’s brand marketing manager, Arianne Okong’o lauded the team for their incredible turnaround to the season.

“I want to commend the team and the technical bench for showing great character after a tough start and successfully turning around our season,” Okong’o said.

Speaking at the same ceremony Head Coach George Nsimbe, appreciated the brand’s efforts in keeping the team motivated as they head into the business end of the season.

“I want to thank our sponsors for keeping the boys motivated through such awards, especially as we go into the business end of the season. We go into the second half of the season in good form and I am confident that we can go all the way and defend the title.”

The players took home KSh10000 each, as appreciation for their efforts. The side resumes its league fixtures against Kariobangi Sharks this coming weekend after the international break.

The respective awards were arrived at by the team’s technical bench, who used a series of metrics to assess the players for every game and training sessions.

The ceremony was also used to unveil the club’s new signings, striker Paul Odhiambo who joined from Sofapaka FC and defender David Mwangi who joined from Mathare United.