Victor Mugubi Wanyama |
Kenyan international midfielder Victor Wanyama of Scottish
club, Celtic, on Monday evening added the Clydesdale Bank Young Player
of the Season award to his ever growing list of accolades this season.
By winning bagging the coveted title, barely a fortnight after
winning a similar award at club level, the combative holding midfielder
wraps up the season as one of the most decorated player in the Hoops’
squad.
According to Sports TV, the Kenyan international, who is in his
second year with the Scottish champions, failed to win a monthly award
in the league this campaign but was been recognized for his consistent
performances in the course of the Scottish Premier League campaign.
Wanyama joins Motherwell boss, Stuart McCall, and Hibernian’s Leigh
Griffiths in winning the annual awards, with the pair having been named
as Manager and Player of the Season respectively.
The 21 year old had been nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player
of the Year Award, but lost out to Griffiths in the union’s prize.
Historic win
Wanyama has made 49 appearances for Celtic this season, and scored in his side’s historic 2-1 home win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions’ League group stage match.
Wanyama has made 49 appearances for Celtic this season, and scored in his side’s historic 2-1 home win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions’ League group stage match.
The former Germinal Beerschot and Nairobi City Stars player, whose
style of play has been linked to that of on-loan Real Madrid midfielder
and Ghana international, Michael Essien, has become a household name in
Europe owing to his impeccable performance this season.
The player has been linked with several top clubs in Europe despite having a year left in his contract.
The player has been linked with several top clubs in Europe despite having a year left in his contract.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger tops the list of elite club managers that
have expressed interest for his services, with Serie A champions
Juventus also reported to be interested.
Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya, yesterday lauded the player for his achievement.
“Wanyama’s selection as Scottish Young Player of the Year is a joyous
development for Kenyan football. To see one of our own feted in a very
competitive league is a great honour,” Nyamweya said.
“The selection was no real surprise to us here as Wanyama has always
been the epitome of professionalism, whether playing for his club side
Celtic or donning national colours for the Harambee Stars. His
dedication and commitment to positive results has been consistent with
his game. We are very happy for him,” Nyamweya added.
Now a prized asset in Neil Lennon’s squad, Wanyama’s journey to the
top has been no walk in the park. His growth has been marred by great
challenges, but resilience and will seems to have kept the son of Noah
Wanyama, a former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars great focused in his
game.
Courtesy of Sporton (www.sporton.co.ke)