Gor Mahia Football Club attacker Austin Odhiambo and Kenya Police Bullets’ Lydia Okoth were named the 2023/24 FKF men’s and women’s Premier Leagues' most valuable players (MVP) on Friday.
Odhiambo edged his Gor Mahia counterpart Rooney Onyango and John Mark Makwatta of Kariobangi Sharks to lift the accolade at a Gala hosted in Nairobi.
Akoth overcame tough competition from her teammate Rebecca Okwaro and Kibera Soccer Ladies Maximilian Robi.
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She was also instrumental in the Bullets camp, as they won their first-ever Women’s Premier League crown.
At the gala, Odhiambo singled out his former coach Jonathan McKinstry (now Gambia national team coach), as an inspiration, revealing he once told him he was among the best in the league.
“I’m so delighted. It is a privilege and an honor to win the MVP. When the league started, I didn’t think I would win it but today it is a reality. I thank my teammates who helped me win this, and of course to the competitors who always kept us on our toes.”
“I thank coach McKinstry for his encouragement, he used to tell me I had the ability to be the best player in the league which kept me moving as I pushed towards it,” said Odhiambo.
Police’s Akoth was also over the moon, saying the award gives her more reasons to shoot harder next season.
“It feels so nice; this is a great achievement for me – it’s a dream come true. Winning the MVP is a challenge to do better in the coming season to maintain the standards and it calls for a more zeal. I look forward to more trophies and awards in the future,” she noted.
