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A solid defence forms the foundations of the team's success. Kenya has produced great defenders in the recent past and the likes of Musa Otieno, Aboud Omar, Eric Ouma and Brian Mandela plied trade in the Kenyan Premier League before securing moves abroad.
As the Kenyan Premier League heads into the second leg, title contenders like Tusker, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia will bank on the genius of their defenders to deliver them the most coveted KPL trophy.
Leaders Tusker FC will be looking to win their first title since 2006 while Kakamega Homeboyz is striving for their first League trophy. Gor Mahia, on the other hand, is looking to continue their dominance and win their fourth consecutive league trophy.
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The transfer window is still open therefore these clubs have the opportunity to strengthen their teams to challenge for the Kenya Premier League title.
We take a look at 5 defenders who have been performing well so far this season:
#5 Samuel Olwande (Mathare United)
Despite Mathare United struggling in the Kenyan Premier League this season, Samuel Olwande has been their best player. His rock-solid performances at the heart of the defence of the Slum Boys has earned them precious points.
Mathare United has conceded only 17 goals due to the brilliance of the 31-year old defender. The former Tusker FC defender's experience will be vital for Mathare United in the second half of the season as they hope for better results.
His impressive performances have earned him three caps with the Kenyan National team and he was part of the Harambee Stars team that finished third in the 2019 CECAFA tournament that was hosted in Uganda.
His experience has been vital in nurturing youngsters at Mathare United. Andrew Juma who joined the Slum Boys as a youngster and has developed into one of the best defenders in the Kenyan Premier League under the leadership of Olwande.
#4 Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards)
AFC Leopards has been one of the best defensive sides in the Kenyan Premier League this season. Despite being seventh in the standings, they have conceded fewer goals than leaders Tusker FC. Over-reliance on their star-striker John Makwatta has costed them dearly as they could've be in the top three by now.
However, they're nine points off leaders Tusker FC heading into the second half of the season and therefore, the title race is still wide open. Improved performances and consistency could deliver them the most coveted Kenya Premier League trophy at the end of the season.
They've conceded 14 goals this season, and that's been made possible because of the exemplary performances of their defence led by Francis Kamura. Ever since Kamura was appointed as captain, he has led by example with a series of impressive performances for the Leopards.
AFC Leopards are reaping the dividends of the former Kariobangi Sharks defender's impressive performances as he is proving to be worth every penny that they paid to acquire his services.
#3 Andrew Juma (Mathare United)
Another Mathare United defender is appearing on the list for the top five defenders as a top defender in the Kenyan Premier League this season. Andrew Juma has formed a solid partnership alongside Samuel Olwande who is also part of this list.
The 23-year old defender, who joined Mathare United from Dandora Youth in 2016, has shown maturity beyond his age with consistent performances that earned him a place in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2019 CECAFA Tournament.
He was ever-present for Kenya in the regional tournament as they finished third after seeing off their fierce rivals Tanzania. Under the leadership of Salim Ali, who took over from Francis Kimanzi, Andrew Juma is developing into one of the finest defenders in the division.
His game-reading ability and composure has brought much-needed stability to Mathare United's defence. Juma is expected to play an important role for the Slum Boys in the second half of the season. His impressive performances might secure him a move to a top club in this January transfer window.
#2 Eugene Asike (Tusker FC)
Eugene Asike has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Kenyan Premier League in the past decade. He made his debut as a youngster for KCB in 2011 and joined Sofapaka in 2012. After three years with the Batoto ba Mungu, he joined Tusker FC.
He's spent five fruitful years at Tusker winning the Kenyan Premier League title in 2016. The tough-tackling defender has been in prime form for the Brewers as they sit top of the Kenyan Premier League table.
His experience in the top-flight is vindicated by the strong performance for Tusker FC so far this season. His contribution to the team will be needed by Robert Matano's side in the second leg of the season.
Tusker FC has an opportunity of ending Gor Mahia's dominance in the Kenyan Premier League as they sit top of the points table ahead of the last season's champion's. Kogalo has won three consecutive league titles. Tusker will be in action against Ulinzi Stars in their next Kenyan Premier League match.
#1 Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia)
Joash Onyango has developed into one of the best central defenders in the Kenyan Premier League since joining Gor Mahia in 2017. The former Western Stima defender had a huge task of filling in the boots of former skipper Musa Mohammed, who joined Zambian side Nkana in the summer transfer window.
He has stepped up his game to solidify Gor Mahia's defence with assured performances so far this season. His impressive performances secured him a spot in the Harambee Stars' 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations squad. Onyango was part of the Harambee Stars squad that finished third in the 2019 regional CECAFA tournament.
The tough-tackling defender has been ever-present for Gor Mahia this season as they've conceded only eight goals in the Kenyan Premier League this season. His leadership will be very crucial for them as they continue their pursuit for another KPL trophy this season.
Onyango's impressive performance gives a clear indication of why he was voted the most valuable player in the Kenyan Premier League last season.
