Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Austin Odhiambo has praised former Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry for inspiring him to win the league’s best player award in the just-concluded campaign.Odhiambo received the league’s MVP award during a gala held on Friday night in a Nairobi hotel.The creative midfielder had a splendid term, helping K’Ogalo retain their league title.Odhiambo was the highest-scoring midfielder of the season, finding the back of the net 12 times and providing 13 assists, bringing his total goal contribution to 25.##NAJAVA_MECA_8235037##Whenever K’Ogalo faced challenges, Odhiambo stepped up by scoring or assisting, spreading his contributions throughout the campaign.When asked if he aimed to win the award at the start of the season, Odhiambo said, “When the season started, I never thought I could win the award, but I give thanks to Coach McKinstry. He was the one who challenged me and told me I had the potential to be the best player in the league. So, I built that mindset and pushed for it.”The Northern Irish coach was at Gor Mahia for the last two terms before leaving at the end of the 2023–2024 campaign to take up a coaching role with The Gambia national team.During his tenure with the record FKF Premier League champions, he built a positive reputation with the team, becoming a favourite among the players.Gor Mahia sweep key FKFPL awards in end of season galaMeanwhile, Odhiambo described the 2023–2024 campaign as the best for Gor Mahia, who scooped most of the awards during the gala.Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo and Police Bullets’ Lydiag Okoth Crowned the MVPs during the 2024 FKF Gala pic.twitter.com/xfwkula09P— Sports Eye (@sportseyesports) July 26, 2024 Mahia’s goalkeeper Kevin Omondi won the Golden Glove award, Benson Omalla received the Golden Boot, and Coach McKinstry won the Coach of the Year award.“This has been one of the best seasons for Gor. We had the best players and coaches around,” Odhiambo said.Odhiambo, who was linked with a move to Belgium last month, dedicated the award to his ailing mother.“I dedicate the award to my mom; unfortunately, she is in the hospital after being involved in an accident. I hope she will be well.”Richards Bay confirms signing of Ian Otieno from Zesco United
