This archive report was first published on 16 September 2021.
Eric Kapaito Crowned FKF Premier League MVP ¶
Eric Kapaito, the 25-year-old forward for Kariobangi Sharks, has made history by becoming the first player to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League. Kapaito, who netted 24 goals for Kariobangi Sharks, also won the Golden Boot award.
On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, Kapaito was crowned the MVP at the FKF Premier League Awards ceremony, held in recognition of his outstanding performance in the 2020/21 season. This is the second time that Kapaito has achieved the golden boot and MVP double, having clinched the two awards in the 2017-2018 season.
"I really feel delighted and honoured to be on this stage to pick this award for a second time. I thank my teammates, coaches and the Sharks management for the support and I promise that I will continue working hard," Kapaito stated.
Meanwhile, league champions Tusker FC dominated the individual awards, with skipper Eugene Asike being named the defender of the year. Asike, who played in 30 league matches, scoring two goals and helping the team through 10 clean sheets, expressed his gratitude to his teammates and coaches.
"It has been a tough season and I wouldn't have made it without the support of my teammates and coaches. I am delighted to have won this and hopefully this is a motivation for the season to come," Asike stated.
Coach Robert Matano won the coach of the year gong, his second, having also won the same accolade in 2009 with Sofapaka. Matano dedicated his award to his wife, Carol Walusaga.
Departing youngster Henry Meja won the Young Player of the Year award after his stellar campaign where he scored 10 goals for the league champions. He is set to leave the team for Swedish top-tier side AIK.
The Golden Glove went to Ulinzi Stars custodian James Saruni who kept 12 clean sheets, while the duo of KCB FC shot-stopper Joseph Okoth and Nairobi City Stars' Steve Njunge shared the runners-up award for keeping 11 clean sheets.
Lawrence Juma of Sofapaka was named the midfielder of the year, pipping Anthony Kimani of Nairobi City Stars who was voted as the runners-up and Jackson Macharia of Tusker FC who was third.
The Fair Play team category was scooped by Kariobangi Sharks as Tusker FC and KCB FC took second and third placed respectively.
The brewers were named as the Digital team of the Year for their stellar work on their social media.
