AFC Leopards danger MAN Elvis Rupia aka Machapo has become the first-ever recipient of the BetKing Premier League (BPL) Player of the Month prize after he was awarded for his top of the mark performances for the month of December.
The red hot AFC Leopards striker was feted on Friday 12 February at the club’s training ground at Gems Cambridge in Karen Nairobi. The prolific striker emerged on top after beating KCB FC custodian Joseph Okoth as well as fellow striker Eric Kapaito of Kariobangi Sharks.
Rupia walked a way with a trophy for his hard work and also got a KES 50,000 cash prize.
The former Wazito FC striker began the season in sharp form as he netted six goals in just four matches played in the month. He began by netting the winner against Tusker on matchday 1 before following that up with a brace against Bidco United in Leopards’ second fixture. He wrapped things off in style by grabbing the season’s first hattrick in a dominant 3-0 win over Sofapaka.
AFC has always won whenever Rupia scores.
Whenever Rupia scores, Ingwe has always won. Rupi did not find the net as Leopards shockingly lost to Western Stima in their last game of the month with the stat further highlighting his importance and influence in Anthony “Modo” Kimani’s side at the time. During the mashemeji derby, Rupia was a marked man and did not score which meant Ingwe drew the match.
KCB’s Okoth came in a close second as his heroics between the sticks helped maintain The Banker’s 100% record as they only conceded once in five matches.
Former league MVP Kapaito finished 3rd as his four goals and two assists in four matches had Sharks sitting comfortably in second place.
Betking Premier League standing so far.
| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | F | A | G | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tusker | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 9 | +10 | 26 |
| 2 | KCB | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 4 | +11 | 25 |
| 3 | Wazito | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 10 | +1 | 20 |
| 4 | Leopards | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 19 |
| 5 | Kariobangi Sharks | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 15 | +3 | 18 |
| 6 | Gor Mahia | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 10 | +7 | 16 |
| 7 | Bandari | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 12 | +0 | 16 |
| 8 | Ulinzi Stars | 11 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 14 |
| 9 | Sofapaka | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 13 | +1 | 14 |
| 10 | Bidco United | 12 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 14 |
| 11 | Homeboyz | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 11 |
| 12 | Nzoia Sugar | 11 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 11 |
| 13 | Nairobi City Stars | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 10 |
| 14 | Posta Rangers | 11 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 10 |
| 15 | Vihiga United | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 9 |
| 16 | Mathare United | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 8 |
| 17 | Western Stima | 11 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 7 |
| 18 | Zoo Kericho | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 2 |
