Ten FKF Premier League players to watch this season
Edwin Otieno
Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka)
The undisputed midfielder of the year last season, where he found the back of the net 16 times and created five assists, Juma is expected to continue from where he left as he seeks to bag the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award which some pundits feel he deserved during the gala night a fortnight.
Shami Kibwana (Tusker)
He arrived in Ruaraka early this month after joining league champions Tusker from Kakamega Homeboyz.
The offensive midfielder had a season to remember during the last campaign as he scored 10 goals and created two assists, despite the fact that he had started the season with an injury.
He has already found the back of the net for the Brewers in their CAF Champions League match against Artar Solar of Djibouti.
Cliff Nyakeya (Wazito)
Tipped to be the next big thing in Kenyan football after being voted man of the match twice while playing for senior national team, many were shocked when Nyakeya left Egypt’s top tier side Al Masr to re-unite with his former coach Francis Kimanzi at mid table side Wazito.
The former Mathare United winger has matured immensely and can unlock any defence in the league.
Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars)
With his lethal left foot that earned him arguably the goal of last season, Omwenga will be one of the key players to watch in this new season.
During the last campaign, he joined the Kawangware-based side almost mid-season, but still managed to score two goals and create four assists from 22 matches played, despite the fact that he is a defender.
Brian Bwire (Tusker)
The extremely skilful custodian has left a big gap to be filled at Kariobangi Sharks after he left to join league winners Tusker.
Despite the stiff challenge he will be facing in form of former national team first choice custodian Patrick Matasi and Rwandese national team’s first choice custodian Emery Mvuyekure, Bwire’s reflexes and ability to quickly turn defence to attack with long and accurate passes, may just be an advantage to him.
Hansel Ochieng (Sofapaka)
Sofapaka faithful are excited that Hansel is back home after two seasons that saw him play for Nzoia Sugar and AFC Leopards.
The goal getter who was initially penned by the 2009 champions from Jericho All Stars, has now come of age as he managed seven goals for Ingwe last season, but his effort was eclipsed by Elvis Rupia’s 17 goals. He is tipped to lead Sofapaka’s front line this season.
Sylvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz)
This towering defender had a memorable debut season with Kakamega Homeboyz that saw him get nominated for the young player of the season award as well as the defender of the year award.
He has attracted interest from a number of teams in Greece, but before he decides to leave the local league, he will be crucial for his side.
James Mazembe (KCB)
A thorn in the flesh of many defenders because of his blistering pace, Mazembe is expected to be instrumental for the Bankers in their quest for a maiden league title.
The winger contributed to most of the goals scored by league golden boot winner and MVP Eric Kapaito while at Kariobangi Sharks, creating 11 assists and scoring two goals in 31 matches.
Daniel Sakari (Tusker)
After switching careers from rugby to football, Sakari has proved to be a gem in his new sport and had several teams yearning for his services before he joined Tusker from Kariobangi Sharks.
After cementing his position with the national team, he will now be keen to do the same at club level and help his side retain the league title.
Mike Madoya (Nairobi City Stars)
After being crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league while at Zoo Kericho, Madoya quickly landed a contract at Tusker and was handed the captain’s arm band due to his trickery and skills at the centre of the park.
However, last season he fell out of favour with Tusker coach Robert Matano, that saw him earn very little playing time, forcing him to leave for Kawangware-based Nairobi City Stars.
He will be hoping to revive himself this season as he partners some of the veterans of the league at his new base.
