I'm Ready For AFCON: Thiong'o Declares After Scooping December SportPesa Award

6th February 2019 - by Erick Ochieng

The SPL side Kakamega Homeboyz FC midfielder scored twice and set up three other goals to help his team to crucial wins over Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC and AFC Leopards SC

SportPesa Digital Executive Triza Akoth (left) presents the award to Kakamega Homeboyz FC midfielder Peter Thiong'o after he was named the December SPL Player of the Month on Wednesday, February 6 at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. PHOTO/SPN
SUMMARY
  • Kakamega Homeboyz FC midfielder Peter Thiong’o stated his desire to represent Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being feted with the SportPesa/SJAK monthly player award for December
  • Thiong’o was unlucky not to get a contract with Nzoia Sugar FC but his fortunes turned around as he penned a contract with Homeboyz a few days to the start of the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season
  • He netted one and set up two others in the 3-0 demolition of Leopards at the same venue a week later, before scoring against newcomers Western Stima FC as his side went down 2-1 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on December 22

KAKAMEGA, Kenya- Kakamega Homeboyz FC midfielder Peter Thiong’o stated his desire to represent Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being feted with the SportPesa/SJAK monthly player award for December.

Thiong’o was unlucky not to get a contract with Nzoia Sugar FC but his fortunes turned around as he penned a contract with Homeboyz a few days to the start of the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season.

The award is a dream start for Thiong’o, who is featuring in Kenya’s top flight for the first time in his fetal professional career and stated how hard work and determination have brought him this far.

“Training with Nzoia for the entire pre-season and failing to sign with them left me dejected, I resolved to work hard when I was granted the opportunity by Homeboyz.

READ ALSO: Stima Boss Ogai Edges Mathare Rival Kimanzi For December SPL Coach Award

“I have so far developed confidence and I believe I’m ready to represent Kenya in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt if given the opportunity,” Thiong’o told SportPesa News.

The result of Thiongo’s resilience was realised on Wednesday when the attacking midfielder was awarded with the trophy for the monthly award at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

“This is best thing that has ever happened in my life and it would not have been possible without the effort of my teammates and club officials who have been so supportive,” he underlined.

Thiong’o was in top form for his Kakamega-based side in December, scoring twice and setting up three other goals that helped them register crucial wins over Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC and AFC Leopards SC.

Against KCB, Thiongo assisted Max Ravel's goal that gave them a crucial 1-0 victory in their opening match of the season.

READ ALSO: Change Of Ingwe Guard: Leopards Hire Rwandese Cassa Mbungo To Lead Revival Hunt

He netted one and set up two others in the 3-0 demolition of Leopards at the same venue a week later, before scoring against newcomers Western Stima FC as his side went down 2-1 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on December 22.

On his way to the coveted gong, the former St. Joseph FC talisman beat Cliff Nyakeya of Mathare United FC, Enock Agwanda of Sony Sugar FC and Ulinzi Stars FC marksman Enosh Ochieng in the voting conducted by a panel of sports journalists.

Thiongo garnered 24 votes, one more than SPL joint-top scorer Nyakeya. Sony Sugar FC forward Agwanda was third with 13 while Ochieng managed 12.

READ ALSO: Bandari, Tusker Top Of The Table Clash Headlines Midweek SPL Fixtures

Thiongo, who joined Homeboyz in November last year, becomes the first recipient of the monthly honor in the new SPL season that kicked off on December 8 and will run until June 2018.

As a result of the feat, the pacy attacker walked home with KSh100,000 courtesy of sponsors Sportpesa , a trophy and a 49-inch LG television during the award ceremony with the club receiving KSh 50,000.