David Kalama leads defenders nominees
By People Reporter, September 2, 2021
Edwin Otieno
David Kalama may not be known by many local football enthusiasts. He always cuts a quiet figure on and off the pitch, but his statistics indicate that he was one of the best defenders in the recently concluded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.
“To be honest, I was not expecting to be nominated. There are so many players in the league and being named as one of the best seven defenders of the season is truly a great honour,” Kalama told People Sport.
He added: “That was my debut season in top flight football and the feat is a big morale booster to me. I’m sure I can perform even better next season.”
The rock solid right full-back defender made 29 appearances for promoted side Bidco who conceded 28 goals the whole season and Kalama created seven assists to help his team finish in the mid table on their debut season.
“Interestingly I just begun playing football while in at Kenyatta University because most of my friends were football lovers, but while at St Georges High School in Kilifi, I was a basketball player,” he said.
He added: “At Kenyatta University I began as a defensive midfielder for the institution’s football team, Hard Nut, but there were so many players in that position that our coach Vince Ombiji decided to try me at the right full-back position and that is how I ended up playing there.”
The 28-year-old who has played for Bidco for three seasons, is among seven defenders nominated for the premier league awards, whose gala will be held at Safari Park Hotel on September 11.
The others include Kariobangi Sharks’ Daniel Sakari, Wazito’s Johnson Omurwa who played 29 matches as his team conceded 33 goals, Bolton Omwenga of Nairobi City Stars who feature 22 times for the Kawangware side after joining almost in mid season and managed to score two goals and created four assists as his side conceeded 30 goals.
Others are KCB’s Nahashon Alembi who played 30 matches for the league runners-up and helped their mean defense line to only concede 23 goals, the least in the league, Kakamega Homeboyz youngster Sylvester Owino and newly appointed Tusker skipper Eugene Asike who played 28 matches for the league champions as they conceded 26 goals the whole season.