SPL Round 14: SportPesa News Team Of The Week

NAIROBI, Kenya- Last season’s SportPesa Premier League (SPL) runners-up Bandari FC took charge of the standings after the 14th round of matches over the weekend after earning revenge on Kariobangi Sharks FC in what is an evolving bitter rivalry in domestic football.

Bernard Mwalala’s edged the SportPesa Cup champions 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday afternoon, condemning them to their second defeat of the 2018/19 campaign to open a two point lead at the top on 28 points from 13 games.

Second-placed Mathare United FC (26) seem to have lost their mojo as they continue to lose ground at the top with a barren draw away to Zoo Kericho FC extending their winless run to five matches as they missed the chance to reclaim the lead having played a game more than the leaders.

Record league champions Gor Mahia FC’s fourth consecutive win moved them up to third, three points off the top with two games in hand as they closed in on the summit in a crucial 1-0 victory over 2009 titleholders, Sofapaka FC in Nakuru on Sunday.

Hassan Oktay’s charges have the chance to topple Bandari as league leaders on goal difference when they take on Western Stima FC on Wednesday at the Kasarani Stadium from 3pm local time (+3GMT).

Vihiga United FC, AFC Leopards SC and Mt. Kenya United FC occupy the bottom three places on the log with the 12-time title winners' Ingwe wretched run continuing after they surrendered to a 0-1 defeat in Machakos to Ulinzi Stars FC. 

READ ALSO: I Am Proud Not Pleased! Oktay Says After Slim Gor Mahia Victory

The Gor game will be the only midweek fixture and as teams prepare to head into round 15 of the SPL, SportPesa News has a look at the top performers in the team of the week.

John Oyemba was unfortunate to concede and eventually lose to Bandari but the Sharks goalkeeper makes the team due to his performance at the weekend.

Oyemba and five other Sharks players were called up to the national team and it was clear why as the custodian saved Docker's star William Wadri’s spot-kick, before making two other crucial stops in the second half to keep the score at 1-0.

Gor were returning from a 2-1 loss to Petro Atletico in their second CAF Confed Cup group D clash and it was evident that they missed the services of Philemon Otieno in Angola.

The Kenyan international was in top form in their win over Sofapaka who had won their last five SPL matches, always alert to quell the danger and also providing options for his teammates going forward.

Bandari captain Felly Mulumba displayed great command of the game at Kasarani, with three second half interceptions that were key to the eventual grudge victory.

A natural leader, Mulumba could be seen dishing out instructions and leading his back-line in great fashion throughout the encounter.

Ulinzi Stars FC were without a win in six matches and they will be grateful for having the services of Brian Birgen over the weekend.

The lanky defender was on his toes throughout the 1-0 win against Leopards on Sunday and his presence at the back was key for the soldiers to eke out the slim victory.

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Another Ulinzi player makes it into the round 14 team of the week, Daniel Waweru. The dynamic and speedy midfielder has been quoted recently saying that they need to show urgency if they are to bounce back from their dismal run.

He showed the perfect example with an exemplary performance and the icing on the cake was notching the only goal in the much-needed win.

Robert Achema was also responsible for the solitary all-important strike that helped Sony Sugar FC overcome newcomers KCB FC 1-0 in Machakos.

Achema’s ability to dribble past players and pick out a pass proved to be a constant threat and he was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet more than once.

Despite Sammy Onyango failing to release the ball early on two occasions that could have possibly led to Gor doubling their advantage, he put on an electrifying performance and was crucial to the result at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Onyango pounced on a Jacques Tuyisenge through ball in the first half to finish well that proved to be the match winner in the crunch encounter.

Chemelil Sugar FC had gone five matches without a win and finally registered three points against Nzoia Sugar FC over the weekend in a sugar millers derby.

Former Shabana FC winger Justin Monda was the hero as his goal lifted them three places above the dreaded relegation zone.

Yema Mwama went joint-top of the Bandari top scorers this season, together with his striking partner Wycliffe Ochomo as the Congolese forward gave his side all three points with a brilliant second half diving header.

The forward almost got another goal later in the match but Oyemba did well to save from close range.

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For a side that has only managed three goals in their last eight matches, the addition of Ken Mutembei from Naivas FC seems to be working very well for Posta Rangers FC.

Mutembei was the hero in a 1-0 win against Vihiga, bringing his tally to four for the season as he closes in on the top scorers in the race for the Golden Boot.

Being a footballer is hard work already, imagine being both a player and coach. Well, Kakamega Homeboyz FC seasoned forward Allan Wanga has taken the role in his stride making it look easy.

Wanga did it again over the weekend with his sixth goal against his former employers Tusker FC, to hand his side the all-important three points as he earned a recall on national team Stars. 

SportPesa News Team Of The Week

Goalkeeper: John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks FC)

Defenders: Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia FC), Felly Mulumba (Bandari FC), Brian Birgen (Ulinzi Stars FC)

Midfielders: Daniel Waweru (Ulinzi Stars FC), Sammy Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Justin Monda (Chemelil Sugar FC), Robert Achema (Sony Sugar FC)

Forwards: Yema Mwama (Bandari FC), Ken Mutembei (Posta Rangers FC), Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz FC)