Round 22 Kenya Premier League: SportPesa News Team Of The Week

NAIROBI, Kenya- After round 22 in the highly competitive 2019/20 Kenya Premier League (KPL) season, champions Gor Mahia FC (51) maintained their lead at the summit after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Western Stima FC.

There were a total of 26 goals scored and two separate red cards shown in a weekend that saw Kakamega Homeboyz FC (47) continue to show their intent to clinch a maiden KPL title after edging Nzoia Sugar in another five-goal thriller.

Homeboyz opened up a four-point gap between them and Tusker FC (43), who failed to keep up the pace as they were held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Kisumu All Stars FC on Saturday.

Newcomers Wazito FC (19) bagged a very important victory, only their fourth of the season in a 4-1 thrashing of Zoo FC (15), to move them 10 points clear of the dreaded relegation zone.

After an entertaining weekend of domestic top flight football, SportPesa News has a look at the top performers who make the team of the week.

In goal, Benjamin Ochan gets the nod for his heroics for 10-man AFC Leopards SC in a 1-0 win away at Chemelil Sugar FC. Ochan was on top of his game and a couple of fine first half saves kept Ingwe in the game and even after Clyde Senaji's red card, the custodian was called upon to make a great save to ensure all three points for his side.

Siraj Mohammed of Bandari headlines the defensive line in the team of the week. The center back's ability to read the game and two key second half interceptions were key to his side's 2-1 victory against Kenya Commercial Bank FC at the Kenyatta Stadium.

Wazito FC's Dennis Ngángá played an instrumental role for Stewart Hall's side as they stretched their unbeaten run to four games. The former KCB left back opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and put on a resolute performance throughout the 90 minutes as his side soared to a 4-1 win, their biggest of the season.

Christopher Oruchum made the most of his start as he rewarded his coach Anthony Kimani with a stellar performance in the heart of the Leopards defense. Oruchum's hard tackling and ability to pick a pass helped Leopards play from the back and hence his inclusion in the team of the week.

In the midfield, reliable Gor captain Kenneth Muguna comes first. Muguna has had a remarkable season for the champions since being handed the armband and was on target yet again over the weekend, his eighth league goal this season as he leads the scoring charts for his side. 

Another Gor player also features in short and sturdy midfielder Boniface Omondi. He has been a regular under Steve Polack's and his tireless efforts throughout the encounter was rewarded with yet another goal, a second in as many matches to help his side bag all three points in the hotly contested affair.

Mathare United FC's attacking midfielder Crispin Oduor also features as the part of the best over the weekend. Oduor scored in a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers FC and was threatening throughout the encounter. He was unlucky not to score a second late in the game but all in all had an outstanding outing.

Despite being held by Kisumu All Stars, Luke Namanda of Tusker was electrifying down the flank and his efforts saw him score the first of the brewer's goals. The winger has been a constant force throughout the season and has proved that there is still plenty to come from the youngster.

Elvis Rupia of Leopards headlines the forward line in this week's team as his solitary goal was enough for his side against Chemelil. Rupia joined Leopards in the January transfer window and has fit in instantly, being a perfect replacement for John Mark Makwatta, who left for greener pastures in Zambia with Zesco United FC. 

Timothy Otieno of Tusker has undoubtedly been the most prolific for Robert Matano's charges and took his tally for the season to 11 with yet another goal in the 2-2 draw against All Stars. His presence and ability to constantly bully the opposition's defence has played a vital role in Tuskers resurgence this season.

The last name on the team sheet is two-goal hero John Mwita of Bandari FC. Mwita scored a quickfire brace in the 2-1 victory against the bankers as the dockers continued their improved form under new coach Ken Odhiambo as they completed a league double over their opponents. 

SportPesa News Team Of The Week

Goalkeeper: Benjamin Ochan

Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Dennis Ngángá, Christopher Oruchum 

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna, Boniface Omondi, Crispin Oduor, Luke Namanda

Forwards: Elvis Rupia, Timothy Otieno, John Mwita