Gor Mahia’s Portuguese tactician Manuel Vaz Pinto has laid his hands on the first football gong since landing in the country after being named the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) May Coach of the Month.A thrilled Pinto clearly savored his crowning moment at an award ceremony held at a frigid Camp Toyoyo Grounds on Tuesday morning.The Portuguese tactician was feted after perfect month for his club where they won all their league assignments. Pinto beat KCB’s Zedekiah Otieno and AFC Leopards’ Patrick Aussems to bag the award that comes with a token of Ksh50,000 and a customized trophy courtesy of Football Kenya Federation (FKF).After a difficult start to the new season, the former St. George FC coach managed to steady Gor Mahia’s ship and May was arguably their best month as they maintained a perfect record despite playing more matches than any other team both in the league and in the FKF Cup.🟢 | REACTIONCoach Vaz Pinto speaks about yesterday’s match against Sofapaka 🗣️ | “The game was difficult but of great quality for my team. The winning mentality that the team showed made the difference.”#Sirkal | #Betsafe pic.twitter.com/2M44pRiAhe— ⚽️GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) June 21, 2021 In the month of May, Pinto masterminded crucial victories over Nairobi City Stars, Sofapaka, Vihiga United and Wazito to move from unfamiliar 8th position to 3rd on the log, raising hopes for another stab at the CAF Champions League.Pinto is the fifth gaffer to be awarded this season after Wazito’s Francis Kimanzi, Zedekiah Otieno of KCB, Bandari’s Andre Cassa Mbungo and Stanley Okumbi of Posta Rangers. The four were feted in December, January, February and March respectively.The winner of the award is selected by a panel of elite sports journalists under the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) /Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) umbrella.In the players’ category, Kakamega Homeboyz’s David Okoth bagged the accolade after a great month where he scored three goals and assisted one in three league outings. He equally walked home with Ksh50,000 and a personalized trophy.Wazito will be hoping to make it two consecutive wins and halt Gor Mahia’s 12-game unbeaten streak.https://t.co/9mJq2mcgPy— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) June 23, 2021 Meanwhile FKF Premier League action will continue on Wednesday with eight games on the cards. It’s also a match day when Kenya’s CAF Champions League representative will be determined. Leaders Tusker FC and second placed, KCB FC are the teams in contention for the slot, the two teams are separated by a point. Tusker will be in Nakuru to play Ulinzi Stars while KCB Will host Nzoia Sugar in Nairobi.In other league matches, Nairobi City Stars will host Wazito at Ruaraka Grounds while Bidco United will be in Thika against Kakamega Homeboyz. At the same venue, AFC Leopards will entertain Kariobangi Sharks.At Utalii Grounds Gor Mahia will host Bandari while Vihiga United will play Mathare United in Narok.
