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Talena, Ong'anya and Ondimo top Mozzart Sport writer’s Young Team of the Season
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Reading Time: 7min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 18:06
Sofapaka's Jack Ong'anya had a first top-flight season to remember as he found the back of the net nine times
They were bold, fearless and looked comfortable, despite being thrown into the deep end, in the concluded 2024-2025 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).
These are young players, who defied their age and inexperience to put in impressive performances in one of the most competitive campaigns in recent times.
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Some were good enough to secure call ups to the national U20 team, Rising Stars, that featured at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) finals in Egypt.
Others, earned their maiden call ups to the senior team, Harambee Stars, underscoring how good their performances were in the term.
Ulinzi Stars left back Talena Ochieng and Sofapaka midfielder Jack Ong'anya are some of the names that featured heavily in the Mozzart Sport writer's young teams of the season.
Kevin Teya's team
Edward Olak (Sofapaka): Olak was a mid-season signing from Kibra United in February.
He wasted no time making an impact.
The young goalkeeper immediately claimed the starting spot between the posts for Batoto ba Mungu and capped the season with several impressive saves.
Kevin Odongo (FC Talanta): The right back joined Talanta at the start of the season following a brief stint in Europe.
In his debut top-flight campaign, he cemented his place in the starting eleven with consistent performances, despite Talanta’s eventual relegation.
Amatton Samunya (Ulinzi Stars): One of the league’s standout center backs in the season, Samunya impressed in his maiden campaign.
His strong performances earned him a call-up to the Harambee Stars’ provisional CHAN squad.
Simeon Nyamwaya (Bidco United): Signed from the FKF Division Two League, Nyamwaya quickly became a key figure in Bidco United’s backline.
Though dropped from the final squad, his inclusion in Kenya’s preliminary squad for the Chad friendlies underlined his rapid progress.
A transfer to another top-tier side is likely.
Talena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars): The left back has been a revelation this season, impressing with both defensive solidity and attacking thrust.
A member of Kenya’s U20 AFCON squad in Egypt, he is now on the radar of several FKF Premier League clubs.
Jack Ong'anya (Sofapaka): The former Green Commandoes midfielder was outstanding in the heart of Sofapaka’s midfield.
Scoring nine league goals, a tally most strikers could not match, he has become a transfer target for nearly half of the FKF Premier League clubs.
Cyprian Mang'eni (FC Talanta): Mang'eni joined from Bungoma Super Stars and slotted seamlessly into Talanta’s midfield.
His technical skill and ability to unlock defenses made him a standout. He is expected to move on after the club’s relegation.
Dennis Murunga (Bidco United): Murunga joined Bidco before last season and grew into a central figure for the club.
His brace on the final day against Sofapaka helped secure Bidco’s survival in the top flight.
Edward Omondi (Sofapaka): The former Rainbow FC winger was a menace on the flanks and through the middle for Batoto ba Mungu.
Omondi finished the season with seven league goals and is expected to attract transfer interest.
Derrick Oketch (Shabana FC): Oketch has gradually grown into a key player for Shabana.
His creativity, flair, and ability to break lines have made him one of the most entertaining midfielders in the league.
Austin Odongo (Shabana FC): Odongo is now Shabana’s go-to striker. He showcased maturity and clinical finishing throughout the season, ending with seven league goals to his name.
Brian Odhiambo's best team
Wycliffe Oduor (Bidco United): The young custodian came in on the back of fine form Naivad in the second tier and impressed, particularly with his reflexes and ability to play with the ball at his feet.
His performances earned him a call-up to the U20 AFCON squad.
Amatton Samunya (Ulinzi Stars): He joined from third-tier side Nakuru Bucks and immediately cemented his place in Ulinzi's team.
His height, eye for goal, and fearless approach in duels are what stood out this term.
Talena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars): He was solid when called to the task; the left-hand position at AFCON U20 appeared weak without him due to an injury.
Charles Junior (Sofapaka): Coming from Bongonaya in the fourth tier, the defender had a lot to prove to earn a starting berth at Sofapaka.
But when called upon, his height, ability to use both feet, quick transition play and winning duels came in handy for Sofapaka.
Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia): From the regional stage, Onyona stepped up with class to represent Gor Mahia wholeheartedly.
He is aversatile player, who can operate effectively as a defensive midfielder and seamlessly slot in at either left back or right back.
His standout performances last season earned him a Mozzart Bet humanitarian cheque.
Jack Ong'anya (Sofapaka): The former Green Commandos captain was far from a newcomer in the league.
He hit nine goals in a debut campaign and played with much more composure than his age.
Alex Kipruto (FC Talanta): He was spotted during the Rising Stars camp and went on to produce unforgettable moments while playing out of position.
Austine Odongo (Shabana): The former Emusire High School student showcased maturity and clinical finishing throughout the season, ending with seven league goals to his name.
Edward Omondi (Sofapaka): Unlike his peers who come from the NSL and struggle, Omondi came in from Rainbow and was a menace on the wings, chipping in with seven goals and some assists for Batoto Ba Mungu.
Derrick Oketch (Shabana): It did not take long for Oketch to win over the Tore Bobe faithful.
His flair, pace, and creativity were evident from the start, and he chipped in with several assists during the campaign.
David Pole Pole (Tusker): Following Ryan Ogam’s injury, the youngster was handed his debut in March.
He went on to score his first goal a few weeks later against Posta Rangers and delivered another crucial strike in the Mozzart Bet Cup clash against Nairobi United.
Sammy Gitahi's best youngsters in 2024/2025 season
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Wycliffe Oduor (Bidco United): Came in as a mid-season acquisition from Naivas but never flinched in a stacked goalkeeping department.
He was thrown in the fray in the Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 32, securing his team a deep run in the competition.
Was also a key member of the Kenya U20 squad at AFCON, where he played two matches.
Defenders
Amatton Samunya (Ulinzi Stars): The 21-year-old was pivotal member of Ulinzi's outstanding young backline alongside his teammates also in my team.
Scored three goals at the back end of the season, and a memorable man-of-the-match award against Kakamega Homeboyz.
Talena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars): Was solid for his team at left-back. There is a reason Ulinzi looked out of sync with him out of the team, and a strong debut season in the top-flight saw him make the Kenya U20 team at AFCON.
Brian Kafero (Ulinzi Stars): Quite went under the radar as one of the youth team graduates, but caught the eye with a goal on his FKF Premier League debut against Tusker, and got consistent minutes in Dunstan Nyaudo's side.
Alex Kipruto (FC Talanta): Played mostly at wingback despite being prolific in attack, Kipruto shone for Talanta with his runs forward, contributing with big goals against Kariobangi Sharks and a brace against AFC Leopards.
Was also scouted for the Kenya U20 mini-camp ahead of AFCON.
Midfielders
Teddy Dok (Tusker): In a rather disappointing season for the Brewers, they would at least take pride in the emergence of their young academy midfielder Dok, who after a patient wait for a full debut, marked it with a goal against Posta in March to offer glimpses of a bright future.
Derrick Oketch (Shabana): Nicknamed Sniper, Oketch was a delight to watch in his first season after being acquired in the mid-season.
The left-footed midfielder did not take long to get off the mark in the top-tier side, scoring in the Mozzart Bet Cup, and also bagged Shabana's last goal of a brilliant season against Ulinzi Stars.
Jack Ong'anya (Sofapaka): Could well be the mot influential signings of the past season, coming from Green Commandos to light up for Batoto ba Mungu.
His biggest moment came in the 7-1 thrashing of Tusker - when he bagged a hattrick - but many could argue he already was a star (nine goals, four assists, and only missed two games throughout the season).
Forwards
Austin Odongo (Shabana): Another one of those who marked their debut with a goal. The youngster memorable rose from the bench to score against KCB in his first top-flight match, and ended up being on a hot streak of five goals in three appearances. Soon enough, his goal-scoring celebration was a trademark, and so was his nickname - Lastborn.
Edward Omondi (Sofapaka): Another masterstroke signing by Sofapaka, snatching him from Rainbow to end up being the talk of town in the Premier League.
He recently made the Harambee Stars squad to CHAN, and still remains hot property after his debut season in the Premier League that saw him yield seven goals.
David Polepole (Tusker): The young striker showed lots of promise after his promotion from Tusker's youth team.
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Following Ryan Ogam's injury, the youngster earned his debut against Shabana in March, and ended up scoring a few weeks later against Posta Rangers.
He also came up with a big goal against Nairobi United in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
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