SPL Round 16: Here Is The SportPesa News Team Of The Week

NAIROBI, Kenya- Bandari FC maintained a two-point gap at the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) summit after playing out to a goalless draw with second-placed Mathare United FC at the Mbaraki Sports Complex on Saturday in the signature game of round 15, allowing rivals to craw the gap in what is shaping up to be an intriguing title race.

The Dockers extended their unbeaten run to six as they inched to 32 points, as their quest to win a maiden league trophy remained on course with 2009 champions, Sofapaka FC (27) the biggest beneficiaries when they moved up to fourth with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over promoted KCB FC.

Allan Wanga’s brace moved him to the top of the goal scoring charts when his Kakamega Homeboyz FC notched the biggest win of the weekend and indeed the season when hapless Mt. Kenya United FC received a 6-0 thrashing.

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SportPesa Cup winners Kariobangi Sharks FC moved up to fifth, returning to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Chemelil Sugar FC at the Kasarani Stadium. 

AFC Leopards SC on the other hand snapped a six-match losing streak as striker Wayi Yeka Tatuwe opened his account for the 12-time league winners as they battled to a 1-0 win against Sony Sugar FC in Kakamega. 

The much-needed victory lifted Leopards from the bottom into 16th, a point above the drop zone where Vihiga United FC and Mt. Kenya are tied on 12. 

Following the conclusion of round 16 of the SPL, SportPesa News looks at the top performers in the team of the week.

Justine Ndikumana is in goal following an outstanding performance to prevent KCB from getting a goal throughout the evenly matched contest. 

The Congolese Sofapaka goalkeeper made two fine saves to preserve the clean sheet and help his side garner all three points in Machakos.

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As Leopards finally snapped their winless run, the defenders were in top form. Led by captain Robinson Kamura, they displayed a level of unity that has been lacking in recent games. 

Kamura was solid at the back for Ingwe and his commanding nature did well to keep his colleagues playing as a unit and leading from the back. 

Another Sofapaka player who makes the team of the week is defender Faina Jacobs. The nappy haired center-back did almost everything right throughout the encounter that ensured there wasn’t any real threat on goal from KCB. 

Aerial ability

His strength and unmatched aerial ability worked well for the 2009 champions, constantly frustrating the bankers’ forwards. 

Congolese defender Felly Mulumba’s performance in the barren draw against Mathare was also one worth noting.

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The Bandari captain held his ground and rallied his troops in fine fashion as they restricted the Slum boys’ chances throughout the heated top of the table encounter. 

Nzoia registered a crucial 1-0 win against 2016 SPL champions Tusker FC and it was courtesy of a first half Hansel Ochieng’ strike.

The midfielder has now scored four goals this season and seems to have been a great purchase from relegated Thika United FC. 

Kariobangi Sharks veteran midfielder Patilah Omotto dove to head his side in front against Chemelil, his goal merely adding onto the exceptional shift he had put in throughout the match. 

Omotto’s awareness and ability to pick out a pass caused problems for the visitors, with his tireless running and physical presence proving to be key in the crucial win. 

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SPL December Player of the Month, Peter Thiong’o was instrumental in Homeboyz massive win, providing a goal and an assist to help his side move into ninth on the table. 

The youngster now has four goals in the 2018/19 season and continues to impress as he aims to achieve his target of getting a national team call-up. 

Zoo Kericho FC edged Posta Rangers FC 1-0, registering only their third win of the campaign. 

A first half Newton Ondari goal was enough for the home side, who moved three points away from the relegation zone. 

Red hot Wanga

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It was Ondari’s second league goal to add onto the one he scored in a 1-1 draw with Homeboyz in January at the Bukhungu Stadium.

Seasoned forward and Kenyan international Wanga seems to have discovered the greatest scoring run he has experienced in the league since he left Tusker FC. 

Another brace in their 6-0 demolition of Mt. Kenya took him to the top of the goal scoring chart with eight, a goal ahead of Ulinzi Stars FC striker Enosh Ochieng’ and Sofapaka’s Umaru Kasumba, who are tied on seven. 

Wayi Yeka Tatuwe has been on the end of negative comments since joining Leopards but finally got off the mark for his new club, with the only goal in a victory against Sony Sugar FC.

The former Musanze FC forward still has plenty to do in order to win the Ingwe faithful over but opening his goal account was the first step in his journey.

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Last season’s Most Valuable Player and top scorer Eric Kapaito is the final inclusion into the team of the week for his goal in the 2-0 victory at the weekend.

Kapaito missed a chance to put his side ahead but made amends with a late goal to cement the win for Sharks. 

He has missed a handful of games this season due to an injury but seems to be recovering well and will definitely add some flavor to the already spicy Shark attack. 

SPORTPESA NEWS TEAM OF THE WEEK

GOALKEEPER: Justine Ndikumana (Sofapaka FC)

DEFENDERS: Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards), Faina Jacobs (Sofapaka FC), Felly Mulumba (Bandari FC)

MIDFIELDERS: Patilah Omotto (Kariobangi Sharks), Newton Ondari (Zoo FC), Peter Thiong’o (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Hansel Ochieng’ (Nzoia Sugar FC)

FORWARDS: Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Way Yeka Tatuwe (AFC Leopards SC), Eric Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks)