Humphrey Aroko, the talented young player from Kariobangi Sharks, has been honored as the Kenya Premier League Player of the Month for February, while former Shabana manager Peter Okidi received the Coach’s Award.
The 18-year-old Aroko has been the standout performer for Sharks during a season where the team has been battling in the lower regions of the league standings.
During February, he elevated his performances, surpassing more seasoned players like Gor Mahia’s Enock Morisson who finished as the runner-up.
The attacker, who previously played for Highway Secondary School, was instrumental in Sharks’ unbeaten February record, directly contributing to all four team goals with two strikes and two assists. His opening goal secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against KCB, before providing the assist for Luke Otiala’s equalizer in the Slum Derby against Mathare United.
He then netted the solitary goal in a 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars, and later provided an assist in another narrow 1-0 win at APS Bomet, taking his combined goals and assists tally into double figures for the season.
‘I’m delighted and thankful to receive this honor. It’s significant for me personally, particularly at this point in my career. However, as a team, we recognize there’s much more we can achieve,’ stated the Kenya U-20 international while displaying his custom trophy and Kes 50,000.
‘We haven’t reached our desired position in the league yet. I’ll be more satisfied when we climb higher in the table standings, as that’s what truly counts.’
‘There remains substantial scope for growth both for me personally and for the team as a whole.’
Okidi Secures February Coach’s Award
Meanwhile, Okidi, who departed his position following a challenging beginning in March, had overseen a perfect run for Shabana, winning all four matches from the technical bench, an achievement that earned him his second monthly accolade, after previously winning in November of the previous year.
He surpassed others to join Gor Mahia manager Charles Akonnor as a double recipient, preventing the Ghanaian from achieving a remarkable second consecutive monthly honor and third this season.
Although Gor Mahia also maintained a perfect winning record, securing all three matches and scoring seven goals, Okidi’s extra match managed and Shabana’s four clean sheets in as many contests ultimately gave him the advantage.
‘I’m deeply thankful to receive this recognition. It reflects the dedicated efforts we’ve invested as a team, not just in February but since the commencement of the season,’ expressed the former Kenya U-17 National Team Coach.
Regarding his departure from ‘Tore Bobe’, Okidi stated: ‘I continue to be a strong supporter of the club (Shabana). We enjoyed an excellent period during my time in charge, and I’m pleased we were in contention for the title, though it appears Gor Mahia have established a lead. I extend my best wishes to the team for the remainder of the season.’
For his achievements, he received Kes 75,000 and a custom trophy.
Addressing the awards, SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia praised the increasing impact of young players in the league.
‘For two consecutive months, a young player still establishing themselves in the league has claimed the best player award,’ he noted, referencing last month’s recognition that went to 21-year-old Gor Mahia fullback Paul Ochuoga.
‘Emerging talents such as Aroko and Ochuoga are displaying significant potential and fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining league competitiveness at this stage, while also offering inspiration to numerous young hopefuls aspiring to succeed in the league in the future.’
‘We couldn’t be more pleased with the development we are observing,’ he added.
The monthly player and coach awards recognize outstanding individual contributions that substantially affect team outcomes.
Selections are based on comprehensive match data and performance metrics compiled by Tisini to guarantee transparency and impartiality in the evaluation process.