Gen Zs are taking the FKF Premier League by storm, putting in performance after performance, and it truly feels like their time to shine.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsAzam TV commentator Charles ‘Mabululu’ Onyango has taken to calling the top flight ‘ligi ya maGen-Z’ (Gen Z’s league), and week after week, that label seems more and more justified.AFC Leopards have their standout youngsters in Kelly Madada and Christopher Koloti, while Tusker FC boast Ryan Ogam, and Nairobi City Stars possess Gilbert Abala.Heartwarming reason why Sofapaka’s Jack Ong’aya dedicated his hat-trick match ball to his mumBut perhaps one of the most impressive among this emerging generation is Jack Ong’aya, the dynamic Sofapaka FC midfielder who continues to turn heads in his debut FKF Premier League season.Ong’aya, a product of Kakamega High School’s famed Green Commandos, has been one of the revelations of the season.Despite this being his first campaign at the top level, the 20-year-old has shown maturity and tactical awareness beyond his years.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939459##He has already played in various roles in his career, from central defence to a narrow winger, and has consistently adapted with near-flawless execution.Technically, Ong’aya’s core strength lies in his physical dominance. He is powerful both in the lower and upper body, which allows him to receive the ball under pressure, shield it effectively, and hold off opponents.According to Korastats, he has a ball receive fail rate of just 0.63 per 90 minutes and a remarkable receive success rate of 98%, underlining his calmness and control when in possession.Jack Ong’anya: Rejected by Gor Mahia, Tusker but now finds solace at SofapakaDefensively, he is a workhorse. Ong’aya presses with real intent and aggression, leaving his mark on opponents every time. His ability to regain possession is invaluable for Sofapaka—he averages 11.89 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.However, there is still work to do in aerial contests, where he averages only 1.03 successful duels per match, indicating an area that needs polishing as he continues to grow.In possession, Ong’aya’s awareness is a big asset. He is constantly scanning his surroundings before receiving the ball and often knows where he will play it before it even arrives.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939421##He can absorb pressure and either spin out of tight spaces or lay off quick passes to maintain rhythm. His overall pass completion rate is 71%, with short passes completed at 75%.His long passing, though, remains a weak spot—he completes just 51% of those attempts, a technical area that could elevate his game further if refined.Tactically, Ong’aya is sharp. He reads the game well, knows when to press or hold shape, and positions himself smartly both in and out of possession.Sinisa Mihic reveals two breaking points that made him quit Gor MahiaHis anticipation allows him to intercept passes and break up opposition play with clean, well-timed tackles.What makes Ong’aya stand out even more is his offensive intelligence. He often drifts into dangerous areas inside and outside the box, making late runs that catch defenders off guard.This was evident in Sofapaka’s recent 7-1 demolition of Tusker FC, where his clever movement earned him a hat-trick and an assist.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939454##So far, he has scored seven goals and registered one assist, impressive numbers for a defensive midfielder.Still, there is room for improvement. While he has scored some crucial goals, his conversion rate is lower than expected. Korastats records 36 shot attempts in 1567 minutes, with only three goals coming from those efforts.Many of his shots come from outside the box, lowering his efficiency. With more disciplined shot selection and improved positioning, he could become even more dangerous in front of goal.Millions Kenyan club banked from Harambee Stars prospect signing new deal with Real SociedadIt is also worth noting that Ong’aya was part of the Kenya U20 provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, though he did not make the final cut. Even so, his inclusion in that pool shows how highly he is rated among his peers, and it will not be long before bigger stages come calling.With his combination of physicality, tactical discipline, ball control, and goal-scoring potential, top FKF Premier League clubs are already likely to vie for Ong’aya’s signature in the near future.If he continues on this path and refines a few key areas—especially aerial duels and long-range passing— Ong’aya could become one of the defining midfielders of his generation in Kenyan football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939455##Overall, Ong’aya is a strong, aggressive midfielder with excellent ball control and tactical intelligence. His versatility and potential make him an exciting talent to watch.While he still needs to work on his aerial ability and long-range efficiency, he has already shown that he belongs at the top, and maybe even beyond.
