George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo - his long journey to honour

By MUTWIRI MUTUOTA

George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo has over a month to go before entry to adulthood (turns 18 on December 31) but the gifted Gor Mahia attacking midfielder was elevated to the coveted status of the 'main man' in local club football.

At the vibrant second Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Footballer of the Year Awards on Wednesday night, Odhiambo, whose future is subject to intense speculation, was the toast of the evening after being named the recipient of the coveted top honour.

"I’m very happy. Hard work pays and this is not the end. I dedicate this to my parents back at Kisumu and Gor Mahia fans who have been great supporters. Even if I leave the club, they will remain special to me," the starlet who wowed KPL with breathtaking goals, top scoring for the league runners-up with eight said.

His strikes against Posta Rangers and champions Ulinzi, where he slalomed past opposition defenders as if they were training cones will remain etched on the minds of those who had the fortune of witnessing them for ages.

"The Ulinzi goal was the most special to me since we were playing with ten men and we were under a lot of pressure," he recounted his signature moment. With reports he has agreed to join Danish side Randers during the close season, Odhiambo and his agent maintained it was not a done deal yet.

"As far as I’m concerned, I’m a Gor Mahia player but should I leave, I know they are a young team that can only get better," Odhiambo, who was last year’s Young Player of the Year added. At Wednesday’s gala, he also finished runner-up in the Fair Play Award, taking home a total of Sh175,000.

However, veteran Sofapaka striker, John Baraza, left the venue as the most decorated beneficiary after taking home the Golden Boot (Sh100,000) and third place in both Player of the Year (Sh50,000) and Fair Play awards (Sh50,000).

"I’m happy for this and it is proof of what can be achieved if you maintain discipline; focus on the task and hard work. I intend to go on for another season, keep fit and work harder. I wish to advice young players not to believe in the hype and remain grounded," the marksman who sunk 15 goals, same as last season when he took home the Golden Boot told FeverPitch.

The awards for media were dominated by The Standard Group, with Deputy Sports Editor, Robin Toskin, KTN’s Swahili Reporter, Hassan Juma and Standard snapper, Stafford Ondego taking top honours in print, television and photography categories. Standard reporter, Gilbert Wandera emerged runner-up to Toskin in the print category.

"At The Standard, we have great teamwork where we consult each other on how to approach reporting and this is a testament of that spirit," Toskin noted.

"We work very hard to do what we do and the results are all there to see. At KTN, we are never shy of consulting and enquiring on how to improve on our delivery," Juma added.