Gor Mahia's Enock Morrison Ends Foreign Players 14-year Wait to clinch Kenyan Premier League MVP
Ghanaian International and Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison became the first foreign player to bag the FKF SportPesa League Most Valuable Player (MVP) gong in 14 years following a stellar season with K'Ogalo that saw them recapture the league title.
The Ghanaian beat stiff competition from Mara Sugar FC defender Jimmy Owili and Murang’a Seal forward Joe Waithira to take home the prestigious accolade.
The Gor Mahia ace posted an impeccable season with his 15 Man of the Match performances, helping K'Ogalo clinch their record-extending 22nd league title.
Morrison broke a 14-year drought that had seen foreigners fail to land the award, with the last player to clinch the gong being Gor Mahia forward Dan Sserunkuma back in 2012.
Morrisson was all smiles on Thursday, June 4, at the Glee Hotel in Nairobi during the SportPesa League Gala Night, not only did he bag the prestigious Player of the Season award, but he was also named Midfielder of the Season, plus he made it into the Team of the Season later on.
“I want to start by saying ‘asante sana’ to the Kenyan community for giving me a home away from home and for providing such an incredible support system.
Winning this award is truly special, and I want to dedicate it to the late Raila Odinga and my beloved mother. Thank you for your support; this award is also for you.
Thank you, SportPesa, for this wonderful occasion and for the award,” Morrison said, fighting back tears of joy after receiving the prestigious honour.
Defender of the Year
Mara Sugar’s Jimmy Owili was named the Defender of the Year following a stellar season where he not only made their backline resolute but also scored three goals and provided nine assists.
Owili beat Harambee Stars stand-in captain Abuod Omar, who helped Kenya Police FC attain the meanest defense in the league, as well as scoring important goals.
Golden Glove
On the Golden Glove award, Shabana FC goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng’s 18 clean sheets propelled him to the award.
Golden Boot
Murang’a Seal star Joseph Waithira scooped the Golden Boot award after finding the back of the net 19 times, one more than Ulinzi Stars forward Paul Okoth.
Most Disciplined Player
Mara Sugar captain Drona Openda walked away with the Most Disciplined Player award after making the fewest tackles as well as receiving one of the fewest yellow cards, making it past Timothy Ekhavi and Ian Omondi of Mathare United.
Mara Sugar were also named as the Most Disciplined team.
Coach of The Year
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor's heroics of leading the club to the 22nd league title earned him the Coach of the Year accolade, emerging above his AFC Leopards counterpart Fred Ambani and APS Bomet coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo.
Referee of the Year
FIFA referee Josephine Wanjiku was named the Centre Referee of the Year, with Boniface Karanja named as the Assistant Referee of the Year.