This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi hosted the 2019/LG Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Player of the Year awards, where Gor Mahia defender Joash Onyango was feted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Onyango received a cash prize of Sh1 million, making him the first defender to win the award since its inception. He also became the third Gor Mahia player to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo and Meddie Kagere, who have since left the club.
Onyango's impressive performance led his club to win their record 18th Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title and helped them qualify for the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup. His outstanding display 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, saying, 'First of all, I want to thank God for reaching 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.'
Onyango also won the Best Defender award, beating Kelvin Wesonga and Brian Otieno to the title. Francis Kahata won the Midfielder of the Year Award, while Farouk Shikalo took home the Best Goalkeeper award.
Speaking during the ceremony, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia announced that the ministry would consider sponsoring the awards and pledged to ensure the renovation of stadia is completed. He also warned that sports personalities caught up in doping would be banned from representing the country even after serving their ban.
