- Gor Mahia and Tusker FC have three players each in the official Team of the Week, with Tusker’s Julien Mette also named Coach of the Week.
- Migori Youth defender Frederick Ng’iela is the highest-rated player at 7.5.
- Some of the standout performers from the opening round include Gor Mahia’s Shariff Musa who scored twice.
Gor Mahia and Tusker FC lead the official SportPesa League Team of the Week after an entertaining opening round that saw seven different clubs represented in the best XI.
The official selection, arranged in a 3-5-2 formation, is headlined by defending champions Gor Mahia and Tusker FC, who contribute three players each.
Migori Youth, Kakamega Homeboyz, Mathare United, Mara Sugar and Nairobi United complete the seven-club representation.
Fredrick Ng’iela of Migori Youth takes the highest rating in the XI with 7.5, following an outstanding defensive performance in his side’s 1-1 draw against Kenya Police.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia begin SportPesa League title defence with convincing win over Murang’a SEAL
SportPesa League Gameweek 1 Team of the Week
Goalkeeper- Perrauld Ndinga – Tusker FC – 6.9
Ndinga takes the goalkeeping position after helping Tusker FC begin their campaign with a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars.
The Brewers produced a disciplined defensive performance before Alvin Mang’eni and Victor Mbaoma struck in the second half to secure all three points. The clean sheet played an important role in Ndinga’s inclusion in the official XI.
Defence :
Fredrick Ng’iela -Migori Youth – 7.5
Fredrick Ng’iela produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance of the opening round as Migori Youth held Kenya Police to a 1-1 draw.
The defender was named Man of the Match after registering 10 clearances, four interceptions, two blocks and two aerial duels won, while also creating one chance. His performance was particularly significant given that Migori Youth were making their debut in the top flight.
Charles Momanyi- Kakamega Homeboyz – 7.0
Charles Momanyi combined his defensive solidity with the decisive attacking contribution as Kakamega Homeboyz defeated Mombasa United 1-0.
Momanyi scored the winning goal and was named Man of the Match after producing two shot attempts, four clearances, three interceptions and one block.
His match-winning goal and defensive numbers made him one of the standout performers of the opening round on his debut for Abana Beingo.
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Christopher Oruchum – Mathare United – 7.3
Christopher Oruchum was another defender who stood out through his defensive work and excellent distribution.
Representing Mathare United, Oruchum recorded eight clearances, three interceptions and one block, while also registering a shot attempt. His most striking statistic was his 97 per cent pass accuracy as Mathare United secured a clean sheet.
Midfield
LM -Bryton Onyona – Gor Mahia -7.3
Bryton Onyona earns his place in the midfield after playing an important role in Gor Mahia’s convincing 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL.
The left back was part of a Gor Mahia side that controlled large portions of the contest and produced four goals in their opening league fixture. K’Ogalo began their title defence with maximum points and immediately announced their intentions for the new campaign.
CM -Fabian Adikiny -Tusker FC -6.7
Fabian Adikiny is the second Tusker midfielder selected in the official XI. He was part of the Brewers’ midfield unit that helped control their opening-round encounter against Ulinzi Stars. Tusker eventually produced two second-half goals to win 2-0 and start the season with three points and a clean sheet.
CM -Alpha Onyango -Gor Mahia – 7.3
Alpha Onyango was one of Gor Mahia’s most influential players in their 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL.
He opened the scoring with a superb free-kick and also provided the assist for Jackson Dwang’s spectacular strike, meaning he directly contributed to two of Gor Mahia’s four goals which earned him a 7.3 rating and a place in the official Team of the Week.
RM -Joseph Okwenda Mara Sugar -7.1
Joseph Okwenda produced an impressive all-round display for Mara Sugar in their 2-2 draw against 3K FC. Okwenda scored Mara Sugar’s second goal to restore their lead after Javan Njue had equalised for the newcomers.
He was also named Man of the Match after recording one shot attempt, four clearances, two interceptions and one block, underlining his contribution at both ends of the pitch.
ALSO READ Tusker go top of SportPesa League as debutants shine in Round 1 on Sunday
AM -Mark Kithome — Nairobi United — 6.4
Mark Kithome enjoyed an outstanding debut for Nairobi United, directly contributing to both of his side’s goals in the 2-2 draw against KCB.
The midfielder provided the assist for Michael Karamor’s 39th-minute opener before scoring Nairobi United’s second goal in the 78th minute.
His two direct goal contributions put the debutant among the standout performers of the opening round and earned him a place in the official SportPesa League Team of the Week.
Attack
Shariff Musa -Gor Mahia — 7.2
Shariff Musa was one of the outstanding attacking performers of the opening round after scoring twice in Gor Mahia’s 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL.
The forward doubled Gor’s advantage early in the second half before adding his second of the night shortly afterwards, completing a brace that helped put the reigning champions firmly in control. His two goals were a major reason behind Gor Mahia’s winning start.
Alvin Mang’eni – Tusker FC -6.7
Alvin Mang’eni completed the attacking line after playing a central role in Tusker FC’s 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars. Mang’eni opened the scoring in the 71st minute before Victor Mbaoma added the second seven minutes later.
The Tusker forward was named Man of the Match after recording one goal, two shot attempts, three interceptions and three cross attempts, while completing 87 per cent of his passes.
Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette is named Coach of the Week after guiding the Brewers to a 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars.