- Sofapaka’s 3-0 victory over Nairobi United sees four of their players named in the SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 7.
- AFC Leopards, Mara Sugar, and Murang’a SEAL each have two players featured, while Shabana’s goalkeeper also makes the cut.
- For the first time in almost seven rounds, Gor Mahia players are missing from the Team of the Week list after being held to a draw by Ulinzi Stars.
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were on the verge of topping the SportPesa League table over the weekend for the first time, only to drop two points at home in a 1-1 stalemate against Ulinzi Stars.
K’Ogalo had been on a four-match winning streak, boasting four consecutive clean sheets.
They hoped to continue this form, and a sixth-minute goal from Felix Olouch seemed to have given them the points needed to leapfrog Kakamega Homeboyz.
However, Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Boniface Muchiri equalized in the first half, shattering those hopes and forcing Gor to settle for second place with 13 points.
As a result, for the first time this season, no Gor Mahia players feature in the data-driven SportPesa League Team of the Week list curated by Tisini.
In contrast, the unbeaten and high-flying AFC Leopards have two players included after securing their third straight victory, propelling them to third on the table.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka, who punished Nairobi United 3-0, have an impressive four players in the lineup. Regulars Mara Sugar also have two representatives, while Murang’a SEAL’s win against KCB sees two of their players make the cut.
With the league heating up, which players earned their spot in the SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 7? Here are Tisini’s 11 standout performers.
SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 7
Goalkeeper – Stephen Ochieng – Shabana (7.0)
Ochieng made his second start this season in place of first-choice Maxwell Mulili in Shabana’s 1-1 draw with Kariobangi Sharks.
After conceding twice against AFC Leopards in his previous outing, he delivered a solid performance, making crucial saves, particularly in the first half when Sharks dominated.
Despite his team’s struggles with key injuries, Ochieng was instrumental in securing a point.
Defender – Paul Ngugi – Murang’a SEAL (8.1)
He was pivotal in SEAL’s backline as they returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over KCB.
His exceptional display, which included a remarkable 20 clearances, two crucial blocks, and 18 passes with 90% accuracy, earned him the Man of the Match honour.
Defender – Iddrisu Shaibu – Sofapaka (8.2)
Shaibu was a rock at the back as his team thrashed league newcomers Nairobi United 3-0.
He also made dangerous overlapping runs, delivering threatening crosses that consistently troubled the Nairobi United defense.
Defender – Robinson Musungu – Mara Sugar (7.9)
Musungu was brilliant in defense, helping his side secure a point at home against Bandari FC.
His performance, which featured several clearances, dominance in aerial duels, a major block, and a 67% pass accuracy, earned him the Man of the Match.
Defender – Jimmy Owili – Mara Sugar (7.8
A regular face in the Team of the Week, Owili stood firm in Mara Sugar’s defense alongside Musungu, helping his team withstand pressure from Bandari FC to clinch a point.
Defender – Vincent Mahiga – AFC Leopards (9.1)
The left-back was decisive for AFC Leopards, scoring one of the two goals in their 2-0 win over Mathare United. T
his was his second goal for Ingwe and his first this season.
Named Man of the Match, he also made six crucial clearances, maintained a 78% pass accuracy, and executed three vital interceptions.
Midfielder – Lucas Maina – Murang’a SEAL (8.1)
Maina delivered when his team needed it most, playing a key role in ending their three-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over KCB. The win propelled them to 10th place on the log with seven points.
Midfielder – Japheth Mzungu – Sofapaka (8.0)
He was lively throughout the match against Nairobi United and capped the performance by sealing the 3-0 win with a low shot into the far corner, ensuring Ezekiel Akwana’s side took maximum points.
ALSO READ: 4 Gor Mahia, 3 Mathare United players feature in SportPesa League Round 5 Team of the Week
Winger – James Kinyanjui – AFC Leopards (8.4)
The new Ingwe signing makes his second consecutive appearance in the Team of the Week. Facing his former club, Kinyanjui sealed Leopards’ 2-0 win over Mathare United, expertly finishing a cross from Julius Masaba.
In a show of respect, he refused to celebrate the goal against his old team.
Winger – Bramwel Simiyu – Sofapaka (7.4)
Coming on as a substitute, Simiyu changed the game for Sofapaka.
He made his impact count with a goal in the 85th minute and an assist, earning him the Man of the Match honour despite his limited minutes.
He was a constant threat with several touches in the opposition box and dynamic carries.
Forward – Joseph Kuloba – Sofapaka (7.8)
Kuloba was a live wire throughout the match against Nairobi United.
He broke the deadlock with a goal in the 13th minute, giving Batoto Ba Mungu the confidence to add two more and secure all three points.
Coach of the Week – Ezekiel Akwana – Sofapaka
Sofapaka are now on a three-match unbeaten run.
Akwana’s tactical masterclass on Saturday assured them of three points, lifting them to seventh place on the log with eight points, a success underscored by having four players in this week’s final list.