‘Finest’ footballer Odera becomes first Leopards player to bag SJAK award

AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Odera who overcame the grief of his mother’s demise to score four goals for his club has been crowned SJAK-Kenyan Premier League Player for the month of March

Despite enduring an emotionally challenging month, the free-scoring forward who netted in all of Ingwe matches in March still faced stiff challenge for the coveted gong from other high achievers.

The 30 year-old however emerged triumphant and won a tight battle for Sh, 100,000 and a 49-inch LG Smart Television set.

Odera beat Mathare United’s Cliff Nyakeya and Elvis Rupia of Nzoia Sugar who equally performed well in March, garnering eleven votes to Nyakeya’s seven while Rupia polled six.

Odera scored for Leopards in victories over Sony Sugar, Mathare United, Wazito and Kakamega Homeboyz and contributed two assists in March, to cart the individual gong.

His challengers for the gong, Nyakeya, had three goals and an assist that helped keep Mathare United on the league summit. Rupia’s four goals were instrumental in lifting Nzoia from the relegation pit.

Odera became the first Leopards player to ever win the LG sponsored award since its inception four years ago. Three players from the club have in the past made it to the shortlist without landing the gong.

Odera expressed joy at being feted and vowed to continue giving his best to Leopards. “I’m elated beyond words at being recognized for my performance in March. It was a challenging month with the funeral but I’m thankful for AFC Leopards family for standing up with me and my team mates for the great team work that saw us through.” The joyful striker fished from National Super League side City Stars said

March ushered in the bountiful era of caretaker coach Dennis Kitambi at AFC Leopards and the Tanzanian national who is on his way out of the club had fond words for his blazing start. “