Mara Sugar defender hungry for more after landing FKF Premier League Fair Play Award
Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 05.06.26. | 11:31
The experienced central defender received the accolade after completing the season with only two yellow cards despite featuring regularly at the heart of Mara Sugar's defense
Mara Sugar FC captain Drona Openda has expressed his gratitude after being named the FKF Premier League's Most Disciplined Player of the Season following an impressive campaign in Kenya's top flight.
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The experienced central defender received the accolade after completing the season with only two yellow cards despite featuring regularly at the heart of Mara Sugar's defense.
Speaking after receiving the accolade during Thursday evening's FKF Premier League Awards Gala, Openda described the recognition as one of the proudest moments of his career.
"I am truly honoured and grateful to receive this award in our second season in the FKF Premier League. Coming into the season, many people did not know what to expect from us as a club, but we believed in ourselves from the beginning.
To be recognised among so many quality players is something I will cherish for a very long time," said Openda.
The Mara Sugar skipper revealed that the season was far from straightforward after he battled an injury setback midway through the campaign.
“My journey to this stage has been marked by sheer will to perform. There were periods when I wasn't sure how quickly I would return. Injuries can be frustrating for any player, especially when the team is doing well, and you want to contribute.
I worked closely with the medical team, stayed disciplined and remained positive. When I returned, my focus was simply to help the team finish the season strongly."
"That experience made me mentally stronger. It taught me patience and resilience. Every minute I played after returning felt special because I knew what it took to get back on the pitch,” he says.
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Openda was quick to dedicate the award to his teammates, insisting the honour reflected the collective effort that helped Mara Sugar enjoy a successful season.
"This award belongs to my teammates as much as it belongs to me. Football is a team sport, and a defender cannot succeed without the players around him.
The coaching staff trusted me, my teammates supported me every day, and together we built a strong defensive unit,” says the former St Joseph’s Youth player.
"I also want to thank the club management for believing in us and providing everything we needed throughout the season. From the board to the technical bench and the supporters, everyone played a role in helping us compete at this level."
Mara Sugar capped a memorable campaign by finishing in the top half of the table, comfortably exceeding expectations while establishing themselves as one of the league's most organised teams.
The club's impressive season was further underlined at the awards gala when defender Jimmy Owili was named Defender of the Year, while Mara Sugar scooped the award for the Most Disciplined Team of the Season.
Openda said the individual and team honours demonstrated the culture that has been built at the club.
"When you see Jim Owili winning Defender of the Year and the team being recognised as the most disciplined side in the league, it tells you that we are moving in the right direction. These awards are a reflection of the hard work and professionalism within the squad,” continues Openda.
Despite his latest achievement, the captain insists he is already focused on raising the bar next season.
"I am grateful for this award, but I don't want to stop here. Every season should be about growth and improvement. My target now is to help Mara Sugar reach even greater heights and challenge for bigger honours.
Personally, I want to compete for even higher awards next season while continuing to lead by example on and off the pitch."
"This is only the beginning for Mara Sugar. We have shown that we belong in the Premier League, and now we want to build on this foundation and achieve even more."
Other winners of the night included Gor Mahia’s Enock Morrison, who scooped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Humphrey Aroko, for his efforts at Kariobangi Sharks, took home the Best Young Player of the Season award while Murang’a Seal marksman Joe Waithira was Players’ Player of the season.