Kariobangi Sharks wonderkid Humphrey Aroko has been named the SportPesa League Player of the Month for February, as immediate former Shabana boss Peter Okidi took home the Coach’s Award.
Teenager Aroko, 18, has been Sharks’ best player in a season they have found themselves struggling in the lower half of the table. In February, he took his game a notch higher, nudging his young shoulders above more experienced competitors, including Gor Mahia’s Enock Morisson who took the runners-up spot.
The former Highway Secondary School attacker played a starring role in Sharks’ unbeaten February run, directly contributing to all four goals scored by the team with two goals and two assists. His opener gave Sharks a hard-fought 1-1 draw at KCB before he set up Luke Otiala for their equalizer in the Slum Derby against Mathare United.
He then scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars, followed by an assist in another scrappy 1-0 win at APS Bomet, the latter seeing him hit double figures in combined goals and assists for the season.
“I’m very happy and grateful to receive this award. It means a lot for me personally, especially at this stage of my career. But as a team we know we can still do much better,” said the Kenya U-20 international while holding his customized trophy and Kes 50,000.
“We are not yet where we want to be in the league. I’ll be even happier when we move further up the table because that is what really matters. There is still a lot of room for improvement for me individually and for the team.”
Okidi’s wins it all in February
Meanwhile Okidi, who was relieved of his duties after a difficult start in March, oversaw a flawless run for Shabana, winning all his four of their matches in the dugout, a performance that ultimately earned him a second monthly honour, having won the award in November last year.
He edged out and joined Gor Mahia boss Charles Akonnor as a double winner, denying the Ghanaian what would have been a sensational second consecutive monthly award and a third this season.
While Gor Mahia also maintained a 100 percent win record, winning all three matches and scoring seven goals, Okidi’s additional match played and Shabana’s four cleansheets in as many matches ultimately tipped the scale in his favor.
“I am really grateful to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work we put in the team not just in February but since the season began,” said the former Kenya U-17 Nation Team Assistant Coach.
On his departure from ‘Tore Bobe’, Okidi said: “I remain a big fan of the club (Shabana). We had a great run during my tenure and am happy we were in the title fight but looks like Gor Mahia have pulled away. I wish Shabana the very best for the rest of the season.”
For his exploits, he pocketed Kes 75,000 and a customized trophy.
Commenting on the awards, SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia, commended the growing influence of young players in the league.
“For the second month running, a young player who is still trying to find their feet in the league has carried the best player award,” he commented, referring to last month’s award which was won by 21-year-old Gor Mahia fullback Paul Ochuoga.
“Young talents like Aroko and Ochuoga are showing great potential and playing an important role in ensuring the league is competitive at this stage but also giving hope to many young lads who are dreaming out there to one day make it in the SportPesa League. We couldn’t be happier with the growth we are witnessing,” he added.
The SportPesa Player and Coach of the Month awards recognize monthly exceptional performances that significantly influence team results.
Selections are informed by detailed match data and performance metrics compiled by Tisini to ensure transparency and objectivity in the process.
