Gor Mahia forward Michael Olunga (center) receiving the Fans Player of the Month for October Award on Thursday, November 12.
NAIROBI, November 12 – Gor Mahia striker Michael Olunga hopes winning the Fans Player of the Month for October will inspire him help his club wrap-up the season with the GOtv Shield title.
Olunga’s landslide win came after amassing 3,774 votes (82.89%) way ahead of Ulinzi Stars midfielder John Makwatta who was second with 347 votes (7.62%) while Bandari FC’s David Kingatua settled for third with 287 votes (6.30%).
Nairobi City Stars forward, Jimmy Bagaye who won the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya/SportPesa Player of the Month for October, was second last with 93 (2.04%) while Mathare United’s Noah Abich garnered 52 votes (1.14%) to trail the poll.
Olunga who scored four goals for unbeaten K’Ogalo in the month of October, received Sh10,000 and a trophy.
“I wish to thank all the fans who voted for me. Also my fellow players from other clubs for making the nomination cut; it proves they did a great job in the month. I must however thank God for without him I would not have won this.
“It has been a good season to me. We won the league unbeaten, had a fine run at the Cecafa Kagame Cup and have already bagged the Top 8 Title. We are now looking forward to wrap it up with the GOtv Shield,” Olunga who was the top scorer in Cecafa Kagame Cup with five goals, underscored.
He added, “It is through the fans support that the club has registered all the success. With financial challenges, they have ensured they turn up in numbers in all matches.
“This year I have made a massive improvement. Apart from scoring goals locally, I have played at bigger stages like the national team which has boosted my confidence and taken my career to another level. I just hope that this continues even in the upcoming season.”
Gor have three titles in the cabinet so far after winning the SportPesa Premier League trophy for a third season in a row, the KPL Top 8 and DSTV Super Cup that they lifted at the beginning of the season.
Olunga becomes the sixth player to win the award after Ali Abondo (Gor), Jacob Keli when he was featuring for AFC Leopards, Bernard Mangoli (Leopards), Paul Kiongera (KCB) and Meddie Kagere (Gor).
The week-long poll was voted by 4,553 fans .