Top 5 Kenyan central defenders of the decade

Defenders are some of the most underrated players in most football teams. But underrating defenders is like underrating the foundation of your house. Good teams are built on the backs of strong defences. Central defenders are by far the most underrated players today. In fact, it is quite uncommon to find defenders winning awards ahead of their attacking peers.

With centre-backs being by far the most underrated players, it is hard to actually find out which one is better. Their position isn’t defined as simple with goals and assists. Neither are they to be defined by goals conceded as well, every team concedes at some point.

In Kenyan football, the situation isn’t any different from the rest of the world when it comes to defenders. Though a few have tried to break the glass ceiling, it hasn’t been that easy getting acknowledgment for the work they put in.

With that in mind, here are the top central defenders in Kenya in the last decade.

5. David Ochieng

David Ochieng is one of the top defenders that Kenya has produced in the last decade. His leadership qualities, ability to sniff out danger and robust style of play makes him stand out.

The Nairobi born defender started his career with Nairobi Stima before moving to Tusker FC in 2012. He quickly established himself as a top defender and earning a move to Al-Taawoon in 2013. The highlight of his career came when he was signed by New York Cosmos in 2016 and he went to play 29 games for them scoring one goal in the process.

He then made a move to Swedish side Brommapojkarna in the 2018 season and made 13 appearances for them. He then made a move back home with AFC Leopards on a short-term deal before moving to Al-Ansar in Saudi. He has played for the Kenyan national team on 33 occasions scoring two goals in the process.

4. Joseph Okumu

Another top defender that Kenya currently has is Joseph Okumu who plies his trade with IF Elfsborg in the Swedish League. At only 22-years-old, you’d expect the young defender to be just settling in teams, but he’s doing much more - he’s pushing for starts and excelling when called upon.

Okumu started his career in 2014 with Chemelil Sugar and spending a lot of time in the U-21 and U-23 Kenyan sides. The young defender quickly outgrew the youth sides to make his debut for the senior side in 2016. He has gone from strength to strength from there on in his career and he’s not backing down.

After his productive spell with Chemelil, he moved to Free State Stars in 2016 before making a move to AFC Arbor in 2018. He later moved to Real Monarchs in the 2018 season. He has since secured his deal to his current team Elfsborg this year. With three caps already for his national side at 22, he’ll certainly make more in the future.

3. Mohammed Musa Mayieko

One of the stars of Kenya’s poor AFCON 2019 showing was Mohammed Musa. The no-nonsense defender is one of the best when it comes to the art of defending today. And like most top players in Kenya, he had a stint with Gor Mahia. That’s the club he actually started his career at.

He even had a stint as captain of the club, where he won four league titles in his seven years there. He came through as a youth in 2010 and left in 2017. After Gor, there was no bigger club and he made a move abroad as many top players do. In 2017, he secured a deal with KF Tirana in the Albanian league.

For some unspecified issues, Mohammed’s contract at Tirana was cancelled only four months after he made his move. In July 2018, the talented defender made a move to Zambian club Nkana on a two-year deal. A haul of 34 caps for Harambee Stars makes him one of the most dependable players they have.

2. Brian Mandela Onyango

A rugged defender on his day, that’s what Brian Mandela is when he’s firing on all cylinders. He was bound to appear on this list at some point and it’s no coincidence he’s in the top two.

Mandela has not only been consistent for the national side since he made his debut in 2011, but he’s also been a figure for his clubs. The fact that he has only been capped 22 times shouldn’t underestimate his talents. And at only 25 years, he still has time on his hands to get more caps.

He started his career in 2010 with Posta Rangers before making a move to Tusker in 2011. Now, that was seen by many as the best move at the moment for him but he moved on quickly. After a solitary season with Tusker, Mandela made a move to Santos where he played 28 games and scoring three times.

In 2015, he made a move to his current side Maritzburg United. The defender is quick, rugged and adept making him a nightmare for opposition attackers.

1. Joash Onyango

Kenya’s top defender no doubt is Joash Onyango. In the 2018/19 season, Onyango managed to win the KPL player of the year award, a feat that has never been achieved by a defender before. Not only is Onyango a rock at the back, but he’s also a leader and has footballing skills to back it all up.

At only 26-years-old, the defender is certainly been considered one of the very best in the continent; it’s only a matter of time before he gets a move abroad. When Kenya lost its opening match in the group stages of AFCON 2019, Onyango’s absence was noted as the key reason for that loss.

His first season at Gor, he came in halfway and ensured the team ended the 2017/18 season undefeated. His first full-season with Gor in 2018/19 he helped the team sure another KPL title. He’s not only expected to be a mainstay in the Gor’s defence but also in the national side as well.