Zoo Kericho's Okoth bags April award

Zoo Kericho tactician Sammy Okoth is the Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month for April.

The former Kenyan international, who was unanimously endorsed for the monthly award by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya, guided Zoo to victories over Posta Rangers, Tusker and Kakamega Homeboyz, while they recorded identical 2-2 draws with 13-time champions AFC Leopards and Bandari in April.

The only loss recorded by the Kericho-based outfit that month was a 2-0 loss to league debutants Wazito.

This brilliant run by Zoo saw the club move from the relegation zone in their second season in the top light league.

"We didn't start well this season but somewhere along the way the players stepped up and now we are out of danger. I never thought that such a performance could be rewarded because we weren’t thinking of any awards. We were working hard to get to a better position," Okoth said after collecting his trophy which came with a Sh75,000 cash reward from sponsors Fidelity Insurance.

"I have never won an award before in my life despite being in football for many years. I am therefore very excited today. I hope this will motivate the team to continue playing with passion so that we achieve our goal, which is a top ten finish," added Okoth after the brief award ceremony held at the Kericho Green Stadium.

Zoo Kericho players led by the prolific duo of Mike Madoya and Nicholas Kipkirui hailed their coach and tipped the team for greater success.

"I am so happy that the coach has won this award because he has been good to us. He has seen us through a lot to an extent that he's a father figure to me and several others. The belief he gives us keeps the team strong and I am happy he has been recognised,” said Madoya, who was voted the league's MVP last year.

Zoo are currently positioned 15th on the standings with 16 points from 16 matches, and will face Mathare United in their next match this weekend.