- Mara Sugar’s 2-0 win over AFC Leopards saw three of their players named in the SportPesa League Round 8 Team of the Week.
- Gor Mahia’s 2-0 victory over Kenya Police FC also earned three of their players a place in the team.
- Sofapaka had three players included following their 2-0 win against Posta Rangers, while Nairobi United’s 4-2 triumph over Kariobangi Sharks saw two of their players make the cut.
Mara Sugar proved to be a thorn in the side of AFC Leopards’ unbeaten SportPesa League run this season, defeating them 2-0 at the Awendo Green Stadium in Kericho.
Substitute Daniel Cheruyiot came off the bench to punish the wasteful 12-time champions with two late second-half goals.
His decisive performance ended Ingwe’s six-match unbeaten streak, a run that, if continued, could have propelled them to the top of the SportPesa League table, or at least into second place, especially after Gor Mahia secured their own victory on Sunday.
For the Sugar Millers, this marked their second win of the season, elevating them to 10th place on the log with 10 points from 21.
However, Edward Manoah’s squad did not just claim three points; they also secured three spots in the SportPesa League Team of the Week, courtesy of statistics from Tisini Tech.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia saw three of their players make the cut following their 2-0 victory over Kenya Police at Nyayo National Stadium, a welcome return after being absent from the Team of the Week in Round 7.
After dominating Round 7 with multiple inclusions, Sofapaka also managed to place three players in the Round 8 team after they bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Posta Rangers at Dandora on Monday.
Nairobi United’s commanding 4-2 victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday saw two of their players complete the list of standout performers for Round eight.
But who truly stood out in SportPesa League Round 8? Tisini, the official statistics body for the league, has compiled the best XI.
SportPesa League Round 8 Team of the Week
Goalkeeper – Edward Olak – Sofapaka (7.4)
He was a formidable presence, keeping a clean sheet and denying Posta Rangers’ sharp attackers any chance to make a difference.
His performance kept his team in the game and secured his second clean sheet of the season for a Batoto Ba Mungu side that has not always been solid at the back.
ALSO READ: 4 Gor Mahia, 3 Mathare United players feature in SportPesa League Round 5 Team of the Week
Center Back – Robinson Musungu – Mara Sugar (8.9)
Despite AFC Leopards constantly threatening Mara Sugar’s area, Musungh- a regular in the Team of the Week stood firm.
He was instrumental in ensuring his side did not concede a single goal, anchoring the defense to a well-earned clean sheet.
Center Back – David Nshirimana – Sofapaka (7.6)
He remained a rock at the backline for the entire 90 minutes, helping his team secure crucial three points and build momentum heading into round nine. His solid performance was key to Sofapaka’s clean sheet.
Left Back – Bryton Onyona – Gor Mahia (7.6)
Since his promotion to the senior team, the youngster has been nothing short of exceptional in the spot entrusted to him by new coach Charles Akonnor.
Onyona has been a stalwart in defense, contributing to Gor Mahia’s six clean sheets this season, including the one against Kenya Police that sent them to the top of the table.
His impressive form has also earned him a debut call-up to the national team.
Right Back – Jimmy Owili – Mara Sugar (8.9)
Like his teammate Musungu, Owili is a familiar face in the Team of the Week due to his consistent performances in the Mara Sugar backline.
Over the weekend, he was exceptional, helping to preserve the clean sheet and gun down AFC Leopards.
Central Defensive Midfield: Enock Morrison – Gor Mahia
Morrison has been the shining light at the heart of the Gor Mahia midfield. He has been outstanding this season, dominating defensively while also initiating attacking moves.
Over the weekend, he was impeccable in his duties, ensuring his team collected all three points and climbed to the summit of the table.
Midfield – Enock Machaka – Nairobi United
He delivered a solid performance in his side’s 4-2 victory over Kariobangi Sharks, scoring a goal and providing a slick assist for Lesly Owino’s opener.
With three clear touches inside the box and a 50% pass accuracy, he rightly won the Man of the Match honour.
Left Wing – Musa Shariff – Gor Mahia (8.6)
It’s impossible to talk about Gor Mahia without mentioning Shariff, who has been nothing short of exceptional under coach Akonnor this season.
Shariff scored the second goal for K’Ogalo in their 2-0 win over Kenya Police.
He created two clear chances, had three touches in the box, and maintained a 100% pass accuracy, earning him the Man of the Match honour.
Right Wing – Dennis Cheruyoit – Mara Sugar
He came off the bench to score two fantastic goals, ending Ingwe’s 14-match unbeaten streak and denying them a chance to rise to second place on the log.
He won the Man of the Match honour with an 80% cross accuracy and several other dangerous attempts inside the box.
Forward – Joseph Kuloba – Sofapaka
He had an excellent game against Posta Rangers, scoring one of the two goals.
He tested the goalkeeper with five accurate shots, maintained a 71% ball control rate, and had four touches inside the opponents’ box, rightly earning the Man of the Match honour.
Forward – Michaela Karamor – Nairobi United (7.7)
He scored one of the four goals as Nairobi United defeated Kariobangi Sharks 4-2 at the Dandora Stadium and put in a strong shift throughout the entire match.
Coach of the Week – Edward Manoah – Mara Sugar
Manoah was named Coach of the Week after masterminding his side’s 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards with a brilliantly executed game plan.