Kibet, Wanzala collect individual awards for CECAFA U18 championship exploits

In the aftermath of Kenya’s 2-1 defeat to Uganda in the 2023 CECAFA U18 final staged at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, there was at least something to smile about as two Junior Stars bagged individual awards handed during the trophy presentation on Friday afternoon.

Among the big names awarded was Aldrine Kibet, who emerged top scorer of the tournament with three goals, bagging the competition’s golden boot.

The famed Nastic Sports Academy midfielder scored in all of Kenya’s group stage matches against South Sudan, Rwanda and Somalia, before enduring a tough stretch in the knock-out rounds against Tanzania and Uganda - where he was started on the bench.

Kenya’s other individual award went to shot-stopper Ibrahim Wanzala, who claimed the best goalkeeper’s award - the Golden Glove.

Uganda down Kenya to win CECAFA U18 title

The Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper conceded just a single goal in the group stages, and earned heroic status after keeping out two penalties as Kenya beat Tanzania in the tournament semifinals on Tuesday.

The other individual award - Best Player of the Tournament - went to Uganda’s Hakim Mutebi.

The SC Villa midfielder proved decisive when it mattered and scored Uganda’s winning goal to claim the championship.

The team fair play award went to Tanzania.

Kibet’s latest accolade adds to the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month award he got in August this year after leading his former school - St. Anthony Boys Kitale - to the Kenya National School Games title.

St. Anthony's Boys Kitale starboy wins prestigious award

His outstanding performance then, also saw him named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.

CECAFA U18 Team Awards

Winners - Uganda.

1st Runners-up - Kenya

2nd Runners up - Tanzania

Fair Play award - Tanzania

Individual Awards

Hakim Mutebi - Best Player

Aldrine Kibet - Top Scorer

Ibrahim Wanzala - Best Goalkeeper