Posta Rangers goalkeeper Kelvin Opiyo has been named the March BetKing Premier League player of the month.
Opiyo helped his team pick seven out of the nine points on offer during the month, by keeping clean sheets in all three matches.
The custodian who had not enjoyed playing time since arriving from National Super League (NSL) side APS Bomet in September last year was thrown into the deep end in March and returned the favor by maintaining a flawless record against Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia and Mathare United.
Opiyo beat Zoo Kericho center back Alex Onchwari and Gor Mahia forward Wilson Silva to the award which comes with a customized trophy and a Sh 50 000 cash award.
Onchwari who came the second was the bright spark in the relegation battling team which improved its fortunes in the month after a false start of life in the season. He scored the lone goal as Zoo narrowly edged Vihiga United 1-0 to register their first win of the season and was named man of the match in their one-all draw in their match against KCB as well as helped his side keep a clean sheet against Western Stima.
Silva on the other hand made it to the top three courtesy of his two goals in four matches which aided the defending champions to pick up six points in the month.
Other shortlisted nominees were Gor Mahia winger Cliffton Miheso, veteran Nairobi City Stars midfielder Anthony ‘Muki’ Kimani, Kakamega Homeboyz attacking midfielder Christopher Masinza and Kariobangi Sharks forward Peter Lwassa.
Opiyo becomes the third goalkeeper to win the individual monthly award in recent times after Bandari shot-stopper Justin Ndikumana who was decorated in March 2019 while at Sofapaka and Gabriel Adika who was feted back in 2015 while attached to Western Stima.
He is the fourth recipient of the award this season after AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia, Tusker’s Henry Meja, and Bandari’s William Wadri who was feted by the league organizers in December, January and February respectively.
By Hamdi Mohamud
