This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Joash Onyango: Kenyan Football's Rising Star ¶
On August 19, 2019, Joash Onyango, a 26-year-old defender, made history in Kenyan football by becoming the first defender to win the Most Valuable Player award in the Kenyan Premier League.
At the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) awards, Onyango beat former Gor Mahia teammate Francis Kahata and Ulinzi Stars' top scorer Enosh Ochieng to take home the coveted award. He also won the Defender of the Year award, making him the biggest winner of the evening.
Onyango's journey to becoming the highest-rated player in the local league has not been a smooth one. He credits his growth as a player to working under the stewardship of two European coaches, Sebastien Migne and Hassan Oktay. Despite the challenges he faced, Onyango has managed to write history in Kenyan football, guiding Gor Mahia to a third consecutive KPL title and earning a spot in the Harambee Stars African Cup of Nations (AFCON) team.
However, Onyango's time in the AFCON was cut short due to an injury. Despite this setback, he has continued to work hard and improve his football skills, which has paid off with his recent awards.
Onyango's awards are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the league, and his achievements will undoubtedly inspire other young players to follow in his footsteps.
At the SJAK KPL awards, Onyango was not the only winner. Other notable winners included former Bandari goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo, who won the Golden Glove award, and Francis Kahata, who won the Midfielder of the Year award.
