Zoo’s Okoth named KPL finest coach for April

Zoo Kericho FC head coach Sammy Okoth has been named the Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month Award for April, by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya.

Okoth won a unanimous vote having garnered most points in the Kenyan Premier League in the month, guiding the Kericho based side to victories over Posta Rangers, Tusker and Kakamega Homeboyz.

Zoo also got points from AFC Leopards with whom they drew 2-2, a similar score they registered against Bandari FC. The club’s only blemish in April was a loss to newbies Wazito FC.

The fine run in April helped the club climb out of relegation zone  into safety zone, despite their monetary challenges and Okoth believes his charges are capable of playing better should conditions improve at the Green stadium.

“We really started badly this season but somewhere along the way the player players stepped up we moved out of danger. I never imagined that such a performance could be rewarded as everything we did was for the team to get to a better position, without the award in mind,” a jubilant Okoth said after receiving the award.

He added: “I’ve never won an award before in my life despite being in football for many years. I’m therefore very excited to get this award. I hope this will motivate the team to continue playing with passion to achieve our season target, which is a top 10 finish.”

Zoo players, led by prolific duo of Mike Madoya and Nicholas Kipkirui hailed their coach and tipped the team to see greater success with him in charge.

“I’m so happy that the coach has won this award, he has been good to us. He’s seen us through a lot to an extent that he’s a father figure to me and several other players in the team. The belief he gives to us keeps the team strong and I’m happy he has been recognized,” Madoya, the 2017 KPL Most Valuable Player offered.

Kipkirui also spoke highly of his coach, attributing his national team call up to ‘great guidance’ from the coach.

“The coach has been a great leader and mentor to the team and me in particular. The skills and confidence that has seen me perform well and earn national team call up is all about him. I’m glad to have him and hope we can achieve a lot more together.” he said

Zoo are currently 15th on the log with 16 points from 16 matches.