Ryan Ogam, the rising star of Tusker FC, has been named the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for December 2024. The 21-year-old striker had an exceptional month in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL), where his remarkable goal-scoring exploits helped keep Tusker FC’s title ambitions alive.
Ogam received the prestigious award during an official ceremony held at the club’s training ground on Wednesday. As part of the recognition, he was awarded a 55-inch television courtesy of SJAK’s partners, LG Electronics. He outperformed strong contenders, including Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, while Makueni Woman Representative Beatrice Museo finished third in the award race.
Ogam’s December Goal-Scoring Spree Ignites Tusker’s Title Charge
Ogam had a phenomenal run in December, where he netted an impressive six goals in five FKFPL matches. His performances established him as one of the most lethal forwards in the league and strengthened his reputation as Tusker FC’s primary goal threat.
His standout month began with a sensational hat-trick against Murang’a Seal at St. Sebastian Park, leading Tusker FC to a dominant 3-1 victory. He followed that performance with a match-winning brace against Bidco United in a 2-1 triumph. To cap off a remarkable month, Ogam found the back of the net in a crucial 3-1 win over Posta Rangers.
These performances propelled Ogam to the top of the FKF Premier League goal-scoring charts and significantly boosted Tusker FC’s pursuit of the championship. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him a standout performer and ultimately secured him the SJAK December Award.
SJAK Recognizes Ogam’s Excellence
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) commended Ogam for his outstanding performances, with SJAK Vice President Eric Njiru noting that his selection as the December winner was a straightforward decision due to his sheer dominance.
“It was an outstanding month for him, and I believe this was one of the easiest decisions for us as the nominating panel. He truly stood out in December and is a deserving winner of the award. Congratulations, Ryan,” Njiru stated.
Ogam’s achievement highlights the growing talent in Kenyan football, proving that local strikers can shine on the big stage. His success serves as a beacon of hope for upcoming players in the FKF Premier League.
A Motivational Win for Ogam and Tusker FC
Receiving the SJAK award was a significant milestone for Ogam, who expressed gratitude to his teammates, the club’s supporters, and the sponsors who contributed to his success.
“I want to thank God, the sponsors, and my team. This award is a great morale booster for me, as it shows that the effort I’ve been putting in is being recognized. I’m truly grateful for this honor,” Ogam said.
He further emphasized the importance of teamwork and consistency in achieving success in football.
“It also serves as motivation for my teammates, proving that we can all be rewarded when we perform well in our matches,” he added.
Tusker FC will be counting on Ogam to maintain his goal-scoring momentum as the team pushes for the FKF Premier League title.
Joining the Elite List of SJAK Award Winners
By winning the SJAK December Award, Ryan Ogam joins an elite list of footballers who have received this prestigious honor. The accolade, which is traditionally dominated by athletes in track and field, has seen only a few footballers recognized in the past.
Previous football winners of the award include rising stars such as Aldrine Kibet and Marion Serenge, making Ogam’s accomplishment even more remarkable.
Tough Competition from Beatrice Chebet and Beatrice Museo
While Ogam’s dominance in December made him a deserving winner, he faced stiff competition from Beatrice Chebet, who finished second in the award race.
Chebet shattered the women’s 5km world record at the Cursa dels Nassos World Athletics Label Road Race in Barcelona on December 31, 2024. The multiple-time LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month winner had a stellar performance but fell short of Ogam’s consistency in December.
Another strong contender was Beatrice Museo, who finished third after winning gold for Kenya at the East Africa Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa. Museo successfully defended her darts title in the People With Disability (PWD) category, a competition she has dominated since 2013.
Other Nominees Who Shined in December
Several other top Kenyan sports personalities were nominated for the December SJAK Award for their impressive contributions in various disciplines.
Among them was Robert Mcligeyo, the 2024 Kenya National Chess Champion, recognized for his tactical brilliance in the mind sport.
Basketball star Garang Diing was also nominated after playing a crucial role in Nairobi City Thunder’s historic qualification for the Africa Basketball League (BAL)—the first Kenyan team to achieve the feat.
Other notable nominees included:
- National scrabble champion Bernard Kokoyo
- World Half Marathon champion Sebastian Sawe
- Nairobi City Thunder’s standout player, Albert Adera
These nominations showcased Kenya’s diverse sporting talent and the exceptional performances delivered across various disciplines.
Tusker FC’s Future Looks Bright with Ogam Leading the Line
Ryan Ogam’s SJAK December Award win and his remarkable form indicate a promising future for both the player and Tusker FC. With the second half of the FKF Premier League season underway, Tusker FC will rely on Ogam’s goal-scoring prowess to maintain their title push.
If Ogam continues this impressive form, he is set to become one of the biggest names in Kenyan football, and his performances could even attract interest from clubs beyond Kenya. With growing confidence, talent, and recognition, he remains a key player to watch in the FKF Premier League.
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