With two goals and 11 assists to his credit, offensive left winger James Mazembe says the 2020/2021 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League (PL) was one of the best seasons of his career in the Kenyan topflight football.

Making his fourth season appearance in the top tier league, FKF-PL, Mazembe says, this is the first time he is being nominated for any individual award and he is not taking the recognition for granted.

“This season for me has been one of the best seasons of my life and I am so happy to be nominated for the best midfielder of the season.

It’s a privilege to be nominated among the best and I thank God for that,” James Mazembe told People Sport yesterday.

He made his debut in the premier league with Zoo FC in 2017 before switching allegiance to his current employer Kariobangi Sharks in 2018.

His outstanding performance in the league last season, saw him earn nomination for the Midfielder of the Year Award during the gala scheduled for Tuesday at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, and the Kariobangi Sharks midfielder is optimistic of flooring his other competitors to win the award.

Other contenders for the award include Tusker FC’s Jackson Macharia who scored eight goals and had four assists, Sofapaka’s Lawrence Juma who scored 16 goals and had five assists in 29 matches, Wazito’s Kevin Kimani who had nine goals and five assists as well as Kakamega Homeboyz attacking midfielder Shami Kibwana who has since joined league champions. Kibwana scored 10 goals from midfield and had two assists.

“This nomination means a lot to me considering that it’s my first time to be nominated for such an award. God knows who will emerge winner and I’m definitely hoping for the best,” said Mazembe.

At only 11 years old, Mazembe was already a darling of the sport while turning up for his childhood side Ujuzi Youth Academy, based in Kericho county.

Under the watchful eye of coach Ibrahim Muganda, Mazembe, a fifth born in a family of seven children, would frequently feature for Ujuzi FC Under-14 and Under-17 sides in honing his skills while attending his primary school at Kericho Township Primary School.