Here Is SportPesa News 2018/19 SPL Team Of The Season

NAIROBI, Kenya- As the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season comes to a close over 650 goals later a lot changed but in the end some things remained untouched from the previous campaign.

Gor Mahia FC won a third successive title with three games to spare under new coach Hassan Oktay and their bridesmaids will be once again be coastal side Bandari FC.

The record league champions continued to show their dominance in the top flight but for Vihiga United FC and Mt. Kenya United FC, their two and three year stay in the SPL ended with the dreaded relegation to the second-tier National Super League (NSL).

For those players who have been on top of their game throughout the season, rewards swiftly came with some getting maiden national team call-ups but for others, they will be left to rue what might have been after falling short of their talent.

As the campaign folds on Wednesday afternoon with the the 34th and final round of the season nominates its SPL Team of The Season. Do you agree?

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GOAL-KEEPER- PETER FREDRICK ODHIAMBO (GOR MAHIA)

With veteran goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch coming towards the end of his glittering spell as the first choice at the champions, Gor can be content with the fact that they have safe hands capable to take over the mantle between the sticks.

Odhiambo has started more games for  this season after repaying the trust of his head coach Hassan Oktay at the expense of the former first choice.

One look at him and one would write him off due to his inferior height difference in comparison to other goalkeepers in the league, but he has repeatedly answered his critics and has grown to become a favourite among the fans with his agility, command of his penalty box and shot-stopping ability.

Odhiambo’s bravado and ability to read the game from the back has been instrumental in ensuring Gor have conceded the least amount of goals (23) throughout the season.

Still quite young, he holds the future of Gor’s goal in his hands and a national team call-up will surely follow in the near future if he continues his stellar form.

DEFENSE- ROBINSON KAMURA (AFC LEOPARDS SC)

Despite his side having an average season and extending their title drought to 21 years, Leopards captain Kamura has been consistent throughout the campaign and head coach Andre Casa Mbungo agrees.

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“Kamura is a great player and Leopards are very lucky to have him. I can always hear him shouting throughout the game trying to rally his team and that is a trait a captain must have,” Mbungo told .

Aside from his great command of his troops Kamura is the third top scorer for Leopards with five goals, three of them being match-winners.

The former Mathare United FC defender has shown his expertise from dead ball situations and other than being solid defensively his attacking prowess is unquestionable.

DEFENSE- JOASH ONYANGO (GOR)

One important thing coaches look for in a defender is their ability to commit to a tackle and make it a clean one while they are at it.

This has to be Onyango’s best quality and he has continuously shown that throughout their title-winning campaign.

Many have referred to him on social media as the one who leaves no man behind. Contrary to the US marine slogan, the fans call him that because if he has something to do with it then no forward is making it past him.

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Previously considered as a technical footballer, Onyango has grown and become one of the best defenders in the game and that has seen him keep his place in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

DEFENCE- BARAKA BADI (KCB FC)

On his return to the top flight, former Thika United FC man Badi has arguably been the best right back in the SPL this season.

Boasting a stout and sturdy physique, his ability to bully attackers and constantly being a stubborn presence is something that the wing-back does not lack.

Badi has assisted seven goals this season, missing only six games due to a slight injury but has otherwise an ever-present member of coach Frank Ouna’s starting 11.

“That is one area of my team that I never have doubts about, Badi is more than capable and I also have Bolton (Omwenga) who can fill in when needed,” Ouna told last month after a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka FC.

MIDFIELD- CLIFF NYAKEYA (MATHARE UNITED FC)

This midfield sensation continues to better his achievements every season and this one was not any different.

Referred to as “dynamic” by his head coach Francis Kimanzi, Nyakeya is a livewire in every match that he plays in and constantly shows how much of a handful he is to the opponents.

He was out for a long period in the season but that did not stop him from being the highest scoring midfielder in the league with a remarkable 13 goals.

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His tenacity and ability to score goals has helped him become a regular in the Kenya under-23 football team, Emerging Stars, guaranteeing that he has a promising future ahead of him.

MIDFIELD- HASSAN ABDALLAH (BANDARI)

Before the beginning of this season, few knew who Abdallah was but that is not the case as the season closes, he has become a household name.

The skillful midfielder made a name for himself during the SportPesa Cup in Dar es Saalam at the beginning of the year and has become a household name.

His ability to take on defenders, pick out a pass and score goals has helped the dockers match their best ever finish in the domestic top flight.

Hassan’s six goals and eight assists are the best stats by any outfield Bandari player and his astounding performance has seen him receive a maiden call-up by Kenya coach Sebastian Migne.

MIDFIELD- DANSON CHETAMBE (ZOO FC)

Despite a horrid season for Kericho-based Zoo FC, who are battling to escape the jaws of relegation, Chetambe will forever be remembered for the exquisite season at the club.

From an unknown name to an undeniable threat worthy of nine goals in the 2018/19 season, it is unlikely that the midfielder will remain in the lowly team next season.

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Chetambe has scored six goals that have earned Zoo a point or more, highly regarded as the most impactful midfielder in the league this season.

“That Chetambe fellow is really good. I had no idea who he was before this season but I have lots of respect for him,” Tusker player Boniface Muchiri said of him after they traded beautiful free-kicks recently.

MIDFIELD- WHYVONNE ISUZA (LEOPARDS)

He only managed five goals the entire season but his skillful prowess and ability to turn nothing into a potent attacking threat saw him receive a call up for the AFCON Squad.

In addition to the goals, he was directly involved in eight others and was key in helping Leopards turn around their season and challenge for a top-10 finish.

Isuza’s natural style of play that includes holding the ball, taking on defenders and picking out a killer pass has been complemented by his newly found ability to tackle.

His presence in the midfield has helped new signings Paul Were and David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ fit perfectly into the team, a quality that not many Kenyan players possess.

STRIKER- ALLAN WANGA (KAKAMEGA HOMEBOYZ FC)

Wanga has been a household name in Kenyan football over the years and continues to show that age is nothing but a number with his spectacular goal scoring form as he closes in on a second domestic league Golden Boot.

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He leads the race with 18 goals, one ahead of his closest challengers and has an opportunity to match the 20 he scored in the 2007 season, a tally unmatched since despite the player leaving the country for stints in Angola, Vietnam and Tanzania.

Midway through the season, Wanga acted as the player/coach of the Kakamega-based outfit and was unbeaten through the short stint, scoring four goals in six matches as he led from the front.

His exploits saw him get a call-up as well and even though he is not Stars head coach Sebastien Migne’s first choice striker, his inclusion brought with it no debate.

If there is a striker in the SPL who knows where the goal is, it’s Allan Wanga!

STRIKER- ENOSH OCHIENG’ (Ulinzi Stars FC)

A striker’s job on the pitch translates to the number of goals he can score and if this is anything to go by then Ochieng’ is definitely working hard.

Ahead of final day, he is joint second in the Golden Boot race on 17 goals, one shy of Wanga and he can add to his tally on Wednesday.

Ochieng’ has grown into a revelation upfront and more often than not, he has come through for the soldiers who have flickered on and off this term.

The reliable forward is lightning quick and boasts an incredible first touch which complements his stylish play that has in turn translated into goals.

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With one match against relegated Mt. Kenya United FC left to play, Ochieng’ can cap off a groundbreaking season by scooping the Golden Boot Award, despite his teams mid table finish.

STRIKER- DERRICK OTANGA (SONY SUGAR FC)

"We have not been had an approach from any club asking for the sale of Otanga at the end of the season so whatever you hear them now remains rumours. He is a young player who has shown his incredible talent across this season and has a bright future," Sony coach Patrick Odhiambo is quoted telling Goal.com.

The young forward has displayed exceptional goal scoring exploits throughout the season and has 13 goals to show for his efforts.

His partnership with former Gor striker Enock Agwanda has helped Sony guaranteed of a top-five finish this season, despite setting a top 10 target at the start.

Sony can finish third in the SPL and they can be glad they gave young Otanga a chance because without his goals, none of it would have been possible.

System: 3-4-3

Head coach: Hassan Oktay