Football

Mohammed, Odhiambo and Kweyu shine in FKF Premier League Team of the Week

Gor Mahia FC fans in a previous match. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Gor Mahia was voted Fans Club of the Week, while head coach Jonathan McKinstry was honoured as Fan’s Coach of the Week. Striker Austin Odhiambo also earned the title of Fans’ Player of the Week thanks to his match-winning goal against Bandari.

The latest edition of the FKF Premier League Team of the Week, following matchday 16, has been unveiled.

Gor Mahia, the perennial Kenyan league champions, concluded the year at the summit of the FKF Premier League table, holding a comfortable five-point lead. The day's hero was Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo, who netted a late goal securing victory over Bandari FC in their final match of the year. The thrilling encounter unfolded at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on December 22, 2023.

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This significant triumph extended Gor Mahia's unbeaten streak to an impressive 16 matches, amassing 34 points, with a record of nine wins and six draws.

Reflecting on the match, Gor coach Jonathan McKinstry stated, "I am really pleased. There was only one team trying to play football. Bandari came to play for a point and probably catch us on the counter-attack. It made it difficult for us, but we knew we had to remain patient," as quoted on Capital Sport.

Odhiambo's stellar performance rightfully earned him a spot in the FKFPL Team of the Week, where he partnered with Nzoia Sugar’s Barisa Mohamed and Murang’a Seal striker Dennis Kweyu in a formidable front three.

Team of the Week for Matchweek 16.
Selection zikoje?#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/CC9yUXddBQ

— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) December 26, 2023

Nzoia Sugar's Mohamed claimed the Man of the Match title for his decisive 59th-minute goal, securing victory against KCB and marking Nzoia Sugar's third win. Head coach Godfrey Solo commended Mohamed, emphasizing his importance to the team and revealing plans to reinforce the squad with experienced players in January.

“Barisa is a very important player to us, and I am happy he rose to the occasion. In the past, we have missed chances, which should not be the case. I’m going to reinforce in January with experienced players,” said Nzoia head coach Godfrey Solo to Nation Sport.

Dennis Kweyu of Murang’a Seal played a pivotal role in his team's 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards, showcasing his instrumental contribution to the squad.

The Team of the Week also featured Kariobangi Sharks' midfielder Keith Imbali, Posta Rangers' Brian Musa, and Tusker FC's Fabian Adikiny. The defensive lineup included Nairobi City Stars’ Wycliffe Omondi, Posta Rangers’ Mwema Dinken, Nzoia’s Nador Shikkoti, and Tusker’s Collins Odhiambo. Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Sepstianos Wekesa secured his place as the starting XI's goalkeeper.

In acknowledgement of their outstanding performances, Gor Mahia received multiple accolades. The team was voted Fans Club of the Week, while head coach Jonathan McKinstry was honoured as Fan’s Coach of the Week. Striker Austin Odhiambo also earned the title of Fans’ Player of the Week thanks to his match-winning goal against Bandari.

In the race for clean sheets, Gor Mahia's Kevin Omondi leads with an impressive 10 clean sheets, closely followed by Tusker FC's Brian Bwire, who has not conceded in eight games. Posta Rangers’ John Njau, Bandari’s Joseph Ochuka, and Bidco United’s John Otieno are tied in third place, each boasting seven clean sheets.