Wafalme Stars talisman Simion Kipkorir has been feted the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month of May for making history as the first Kenyan player to win the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) men’s club championship.
The 25-year-old becomes the second volleyball player to be recognized this year, after Pamela Adhiambo was awarded the women’s league MVP.
LG’s East Africa Marketing Director Changh-Yun Kim expressed delight in the continuation of the award that recognizes excellence in all sporting disciplines for Kenyan athletes who have repeatedly proven that the country is a talent hub.
“From our branding perspective and our obligations to the community, this award gives us a lot of fulfilment and we see a positive impact in disciplines that have over the years put the country on the world map,” Changh-Yun Kim noted.
Kipkorir was instrumental in guiding his Tunisian side MS Boussalem to the title against favourites Zamalek in a five-set thriller and was named the continent’s best blocker, becoming the first Kenyan in the men’s competition making it to the championship’s dream team.
MSB battled from two sets down to beat Zamalek Volleyball 3-2 (20-25,22-25,26-24,25-23,15-12) to win the title on their debut in the continental competition, their remarkable comeback ending Zamalek’s hopes for a treble this season having earlier won the Egyptian league and cup competitions.
He outbid Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga who in the month of May scored five goals, four in their final match against Shamal to help his side Al Duhail clinch the Qatar Star League (QSL) title.
Speaking during the award ceremony held in Nairobi, SJAK president James Waindi urged all athletes to raise the bar higher as their efforts are appreciated and the Association is always looking out for stellar performances from different sports.
“We are thankful to LG for partnering with us since we started awarding sports personalities. We have come a long way in this journey and it is a pleasure to see them remain one of our key partners for such a noble initiative,” Waindi said.