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Revealing which players made Pulse Sports Kenya's 2023/2024 team of the season:
After a grueling FKF Premier League 2023/2024 season finally ended in June with Gor Mahia winning their 21th league title, it should naturally be the time for them to receive their flowers for jobs well done this season.
There were several good performances this season, and coming up with the team was a headache, but after a lot of research, we were able to come up with a team.
Pulse Sports profiled the team of the season after a lot of consultation, So, without further ado, here is the team:
GK- Kevin Omondi (Gor Mahia)
Kevin Omondi has surpassed expectations since joining Gor Mahia at the start of last season. He was not even supposed to be first choice, considering the fact that Gad Mathews, who kept 17 clean sheets the season before, was expected to stay on, but had some personal issues he needed to address.
The club also envisioned a more prominent role for budding keeper Caleb Omondi, so Kevin, who himself was not even a certified first choice keeper at previous club Sofapaka, was selected.
So for Omondi to have the season he has had, keeping 21 clean sheets, has been impressive.
He may have gotten sent off during the Mashemeji derby, but his one v one shot stopping capabilities, and well as that ability to inject confidence into his defenders with his calm and collected style of play, has made the side even more resolute defensively.
RB- Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
Rooney Onyango has had a breakthrough year not just for Gor Mahia, but also for Harambee Stars, certifying himself as a key member of the team.
His athleticism means he can cover the ground without tiring both in attack and in defence, and his ability to combine well with his teammates, as well as deliver audacious crosses, has made him a fan favorite.
He is tactically very intelligent, and has also taken up a senior leadership role at the club and also for the national team, where he will be captaining the club.
The signs were always there while as a player at Wazito two seasons ago, but now, he has truly established himself as one of the country’s best players.
LB- Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
For the second year in a row, Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng makes our team of the season at left back. His no-nonsense approach and his constant availability has fueled Gor Mahia towards winning another league title.
He is also known for his athletic prowess and utter professionalism, breaking fitness records that have impressed both players and staff alike. He is also the current vice captain of the club.
Even though he does not contribute much in an attacking sense, his no-nonsense approach to the game has certainly been part of the bedrock behind their success.
CB-Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
Sylvester Owino has risen to prominence at Gor Mahia ever since signing from Kakamega Homeboyz at the start of 2023.
His ability to win everything in the air, as well as his ball-playing abilities have helped the club have a solid base at the back. Aided by the guidance of the experienced Kennedy ‘Vidic’ Onyango, Owino’s performances have gone to another level, and it has won him a place in the national team for the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
CB-Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)
Kaycie Odhiambo has gone through a whole season unscratched for the first time since launching his career at AFC Leopards.
He has been constantly available this year, having overcome two career-threatening injuries two seasons ago, and it has aided his development.
Whether playing at center back or central midfield, his ability to organise his teammates has been integral in their surge up the table, and his line-breaking passes have also helped build play from the back very effectively.
He takes the second center back role in our team.
CM- Chris Erambo (Tusker)
Another player who has defied expectations this season, Chris Erambo has gone from playing in the Division One, to being a Kenyan international within eight months of being at Tusker.
His energetic displays bombing up and down the pitch have been integral in somehow trying to fill the void former captain Humphrey Mieno left. He is also versatile in the sense that he can play in the number eight, and also the number ten position, and is a good passer of the ball.
He deservedly makes the team, and there is plenty more to come from the budding youngster.
CM- Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
Our Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo has been a joy to behold this season. He has been the creator-in-chief at Gor Mahia and his link up play with golden boot winner Benson Omala has been integral to their attack.
Given a free roaming role, Austin’s ability to combine with people through one-twos has been speeding up their attacks and he has also added that ability to dictate the tempo of football matches through that skill.
He can also strike the ball sweetly, and his 11 goals for the season epitomise this, to add on to his numerous assists for the season.
RW- Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars)
On the right hand side of the team is Samuel Kapen, who has been sensational ever since he was given a right wing role by Nicholas Muyoti.
He has been sensational making direct runs and influencing the final third, as epitomised by his seven goals and numerous assists that he has contributed this season.
He is now attracting several offers from the likes of Gor Mahia, with his contract with City Stars set to expire.
LW- Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks)
On the left hand side, we choose Kariobangi Sharks’ Geoffrey Onyango. The versatile player can play in any position across the left flank, from left back, to left midfield, to left winger and even center forward.
His direct running has been very integral to how Kariobangi Sharks want to play their football. With their emphasis on third man runs, combination plays and cutbacks towards goalscorers, including John Mark Makwatta (more on him later).
He is currently part of the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming COSAFA Cup, underpinning his rise in recent months. There certainly is more to come from him.
CF- Benson Omala (Gor Mahia)
Omala finished the season as top scorer with 19 goals, which helped them successfully retain their league title.
His ability to attack the box with his pace and run those channels has made him a handful for so many defenders, and even though his link-up play may not be the best, you cannot take away his ability to finish his dinner well.
CF- Tito Okello (Kenya Police)
We considered putting Makwatta as Omala’s strike partner who scored 16 goals, but he only played for half a season after joining Sharks in January.
Erick Kapaito is also another good shout, having scored 12 goals and registered eight assists, but his slow start to the season for Tusker did not help his cause.
Therefore, Golden boot runner-up Tito Okello is our pick. He has led the Kenya Police line very well with his hold up play, being the target man, which has also allowed the likes of David Okoth to run off him.
He has come of age in the Kenyan league, after failing to prove himself while at Gor Mahia five years ago.
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