Posta grab two league honours
Posta Rangers head coach Stanley Okumbi and goalkeeper Kelvin Opiyo were yesterday named the FKF Premier League coach of month and player of the month respectively.
Opiyo helped his team pick seven points out of a possible nine during the month by keeping clean sheets in all three matches.
The custodian, who had not enjoyed much playing time since arriving from National Super League side APS Bomet in September last year, was thrown into the deep end in March and returned the favour by maintaining a flawless record against Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia and Mathare United.
“It has not been easy for me but in all that I have kept my faith and kept working hard. It is not often that you get a third choice keeper getting an opportunity to prove himself. I took the opportunity with open arms and seized it,” said Opiyo.
He beat Zoo Kericho centre back Alex Onchwari and Gor Mahia forward Wilson Silva to the award that comes with a customised trophy and Sh50,000 cash award. The 25-year-old is hoping to keep the momentum going when the league resumes.
Opiyo is also hoping competition with first choice Jairus Adira and Brian Omondi will make him better.
“We have a very capable goalkeeping department and trainers. I think we will be able to push ourselves even further,” said Opiyo.
Onchwari, who came second, was the bright spark in the relegation-threatened Zoo, who improved in March after a poor start to the season.
Other shortlisted nominees were Gor Mahia winger Cliffton Miheso, veteran Nairobi City Stars midfielder Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani, Kakamega Homeboyz attacking midfielder Christopher Masinza and Kariobangi Sharks forward Peter Lwassa.
Meanwhile, Okumbi, who was hardly a month old in the job, saw Posta deliver an impressive display.
The Mailmen began the month with a barren draw against Kariobangi Sharks before humbling champions Gor Mahia 1-0 in their subsequent match despite playing with a man less from the fourth minute of the game.
Posta wrapped the month with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mathare United to ease their relegation fears.
The national U20 coach beat Kakamega Homeboyz tactician Nicholas Muyoti and Gor Mahia’s Carlos Vaz Pinto to the award.
