Portipher Odhiambo of Vihiga Bullets has been voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2020/21 Betika National Super League.

A box-to-box attack-oriented defender, Odhiambo  took the top honors in an award ceremony that was full of pomp and colour at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi yesterday.

Following the feat, Odhiambo went home with a cool Sh1 Million and dedicated the award to his family members and especially his mother.

“My mother has been the driving force behind my success and I cannot thank her enough.

Obviously, I did not expect to win and was just doing what I know best on the pitch and I must thank God for making me one of the newest millionaires in town,” said Odhiambo.

As Odhiambo was counting his fortune, newly-promoted Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Talanta FC were crowned the Team of the Year and were subsequently rewarded with a similar amount courtesy of the sponsor.

The team’s head coach Ken Kenyatta said the success was a result of diligence and hard work amongst the playing unit and technical bench.

“To win such an award in such a challenging league is unbelievable and means so much to me. I am overly proud and happy.

This is a great day for me and also for my charges who have been more than willing to learn,” said Kenyatta,

The tactician who previously handled Kenya Revenue Authority said Talanta are determined to give the big guns a run for their money in the top-tier league their inexperience notwithstanding

“Believe me you. We will not be mere participants but real title contenders. Talanta did not make it there by mere fluke,” said Kenyatta.

In the meantime, Kenyatta himself was named the Coach of the Year and received Sh500,000.

Edwin Bobiya took Centre Referee of the Year gong as Irene Masha was named the best assistant referee to take home Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

The Fair Play Team of the Year award was given to Kibra United which eclipsed two other nominees in Fortune Sacco and Vihiga Bullets.

Betika CEO Nicholas Mruttu lauded the winners in the initiative that he said is aimed at giving back to the community.

“We at Betika are steadfast in ensuring that football standards in Kenya reach acceptable levels and we won’t relent in our concerted efforts,” said Mruttu.