Ugandan Sam Ssimbwa has been crowned Coach of the Month for August against Gor Mahia’s British tactician Dylan Kerr.
Ssimbwa led title chasing Sofapaka fc to four victories and draw, scoring fifteen goals while at it.
The August goal-blitz saw Sofapaka edge Muhoroni Youth 2-3 away then dismissed struggling Thika United 3-0 at home.
A seven-goal thriller between Batoto ba Mungu and Nakumatt ended Sofapaka’s way as they put five past the retailers.
Their 4thvictory came over Nzoia Sugar in a 3-1 result before Posta Rangers held them to a one-all draw.
Sofapaka’s 13 point’s haul was only matched by Gor Mahia who beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0 at home and 1-2 away followed by two 1-0 wins over Nakumatt and Posta Rangers.
A highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby ended in a one-all draw, leaving Gor Mahia with 13 points but with a lower goal count than Sofapaka.
Coaches Kerr and Ssimbwa then squared off in a vote which the Sofapaka tactician won in a landslide.
He pocketed Sh75000 as a result in addition to the personalized trophy and looks ahead with greater enthusiasm.
“We started the league as underdogs but it’s commendable what we have done, especially in the second leg. There is a slim mathematical possibility of getting to the title but Gor Mahia have a huge advantage.
Anything is possible in football though, and all we need to do is just win our matches one after another.” An elated Ssimbwa said after picking his gong
“I’ve won such awards elsewhere in Uganda and Rwanda and winning in Kenya gives me so much joy.
Credit to my players who worked hard all through and the technical bench who assist me in coaching.
If I stay another season here I’m sure we will push for the title right from day one. This season was more of avoiding relegation but we have surprised ourselves with our performance.
We would have won it but Gor Mahia have national team players in every department while we have none. Their team is much stronger and that is why they are so ahead.” Ssimbwa added
Leadings scorer at Sofapaka Umaru Kasumba who joined mid-season is hopeful of eventually ending up with the golden boot, having notched 11 in the league and trail the leader by just one goal.
“I work very hard and everyone here can attest to that. I want to go harder in the remaining matches with a view of getting the golden boot.
There are no secrets and the Kenyan league is not easy but I just work hard and the goals come.” He added
