This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, the National Museums of Kenya played host to the 2019/LG Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Player of the Year awards, where Gor Mahia defender Joash Onyango was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Onyango's impressive performance earned him a Sh1 million prize, making him the first defender to win the award since its inception. He also became the third Gor Mahia player to receive the award, following in the footsteps of George 'Blackbery' Odhiambo and Meddie Kagere, who have since left the club.
Onyango's outstanding season saw him lead Gor Mahia to their record 18th Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title and help the team qualify for the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup. His impressive performance also earned him a call-up to the Harambee Stars, where he played a crucial role in leading the national team to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt after a 15-year absence.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, a delighted Onyango paid tribute to his teammates and former Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne. 'First of all, I want to thank God for being able to reach this milestone. Secondly, I am grateful to the players for helping me to achieve this. It has always been my dream to win this award,' he said.
Onyango beat former teammate Francis Kahata and Ulinzi Stars striker Enosh Ochieng to emerge as the winner. He also won the Best Defender award, beating Kelvin Wesonga and Brian Otieno to the title.
