Miheso, Odhiambo top list for AFC Player of the Year award

Cliffton Miheso, Kayci Odhiambo, Vincent Mahiga, and Victor Omune will battle for the AFC Leopards' Player of the Year award scheduled for August 21.

This will be Leopards' first-ever end-of-season awards gala, organised by the U45 Unit Branch. The event will feature five categories with Player of the Year as the main  attraction. 

Miheso was the most creative player last season, topping the assist charts and scoring two league goals. He captained the squad in several matches and played a pivotal role towards the end of the season.

Odhiambo and Mahiga were key in strengthening the team’s defence, which was the second-best in the league, conceding only 23 goals.

Omune, the top scorer with eight goals in all competitions, is a strong contender for the award, having been crucial in securing vital wins throughout the season. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges based on the season's statistics.

Other Gala Awards categories include Fans' Player of the Year, Fan of the Year, and Best Branch of the Year. Fans will vote for the three categories.

The awards come after a successful turnaround for AFC Leopards, who finished fourth in the FKF Premier League with a record of 13 wins, 12 draws and 10 losses. Under coach Thomas Trucha, the team scored 32 goals and conceded 24.

In preparation for the new season, AFC Leopards have resumed training and made key contract renewals.

Ronald Sichenje, who joined the club in 2022 but was sidelined due to a transfer ban, has extended his contract following a six-month loan to Mathare United.

Sichenje, versatile in both wing and left fullback positions, has featured in 18 matches.

Defender Emmanuel Lwangu, who joined in 2022 from Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos, has also renewed his contract.

Lwangu, who made his debut in 2023, played 10 matches and scored once. The 21-year-old has signed a two-year extension deal.