As the 2023/2024 National Super League (NSL) season draws to a close, we present our selection of the best players who have distinguished themselves with stellar performances on the field. This selection highlights the top talents who have showcased exceptional skills, consistency, and impact throughout the season. These players have been instrumental in their teams’ successes and have earned their spots in this elite lineup.Here is the Mozzart Sport NSL Team of the Season.Goalkeeper: Steve Njunge (Mathare United) Njunge joined Mathare at the start of the season as the Slum Boys were building a team capable of staging an immediate return to the FKF Premier League. His stellar performance between the posts earned him the Golden Glove, with an impressive record of 14 clean sheets. He is also the only shot stopper to have featured in all the games for his club since the start of the campaign.Right back: Joseph Munala (Kibera Black Stars) Munala has been exceptional on both ends of the pitch, significantly, in the second leg after joining Kibera from Darajani Gogo where injuries derailed his progress. He has contributed both defensively and offensively which has earned him nine assists and two goals from the full back position. His skills have earned him admirers from the top tier league.Leftback: Mike Tshingwa (Darajani Gogo) Mike, an offseason signing at the Library based club, has been a pillar in Gogo’s defense. His aggressive tackling and consistent performances have solidified his position as a starter and was one of the few players that were retained when Gogo parted ways with a majority of their first leg players. He will look at his 15 goal contribution this campaign as success.Paul Were pleased with his contribution in Mathare’s quest for promotionCentreback: Vincent Mulama (Mara Sugar)No often will a team captain leave his club at the middle of the season for a direct competitor but, that was the story of Mulama, who left Luanda Villa in January for Mara Sugar where he bacame an instant hit walking direct to the starting line up. Known for his calm and effective ball playing abilities, alongside Drona Langa, the duo have managed nine clean sheets in the second leg, setting one of the longest runs in the league without defeat this season (13 matches). In total the hard tackling defender has ammassed 15 clean slates with eight from Villa.Centreback: Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite) Not often will a team battling survival have a player in the team of the season but Odhiambo’s ball playing skills and leadership on the field have been invaluable. His absence was strongly felt, when the club went 8 matches without a single win but on return, they have managed to scale up the ranks. 10 clean sheets for a team struggling to survive, not a bad figure for the 18 year old.Defensive midfielder: Mathias Isogol (Mara Sugar) He waited for his time and has been seamless and highly effective ever since. Isogol covers every blade on the pitch, he gives his defenders and partners freedom to join the team in attacks and he can quickly get them out of a tight situation with a single pass. Together with David Owino, they have been crucial for the millers in their promotion journey.Right Winger: Ally Salum (Rainbow)Ally Salum’s dynamic presence on the right wing has been a game-changer for Rainbow. His contributions in terms of goals, assists, and scoring match winning goals have been significant, making him one of the most exciting forwards in the league. In his first shot at the toughest league in Kenya, Salum has 12 non penalty goals, and is the leading scorer at the Mohammed Hamisi coached outfit.Left winger: Michael Isabwa (Mara Sugar and Luanda Villa) Isabwa has been a lethal force on the wings for Mara. His consistent performances and ability to create scoring opportunities have been instrumental in Mara’s attacking play. His skills have made him a key player for the team. His ability to juggle in both the right and left flanks has seen him score nine times further assisting 15 times, the most of any player in the league.Central Midfielder: Brian Ouru (Naivas) Brian has been a breakout talent at the retailers this season, his ability to initiate attacks and control the midfield has been crucial for the team. He gets into tricky situations that have ended up winning penalties and goal scoring chances for Naivas. Eight goals and 6 assists is not a bad figure for a central midfielder.Central Attacking Midfielder : Rodgers Oporia (Nairobi United)Oporia has had the best debut season in the second tier, in 32 matches, the ACM has contributed ten goals and 14 assists. His creativity and vision have been pivotal in Nairobi’s midfield, making him a key player in their push for promotion. He was voted the club’s November player of the month and featured twice in the team of the week a perfect recognition as one of the league’s top talents. Naivas readies for final swing at promotionStriker: Michael Karamor (Kisumu All Stars) Michael Karamor has been a consistent goal scorer for Kisumu All Stars, with his 15 goals, he is a goal behind leveling KCB’s Philemon Nyakwaka tally of 16 though the attacker left in January for FKF Premier League.Coach: Benedict Wanjala Simiyu (Mara Sugar) He has led Mara Sugar to their first ever promotion to the FKF Premier League. He linked up with the team when they were perched 4th on the log and managed to displace Mathare United, Nairobi United and Naivas on his way up. Without any doubt, he is among the top tacticians in the league.Subs : Felix Adoyo ( Mara), Meshack Ochieno (Mathare) , Last Young (Dimba Patriots), Daniel Bichok (Nairobi), Joseph Okwenda (Mara), Elly Owande (Migori), Brian Juma (MCF FC) , Arnold Green (Kisumu All Stars), Paul Were (Mathare)
