Nairobi — Champions Sofapaka and previous winners Mathare United are set to dominate the 2009 Kenyan Premier League awards ceremony at football's end-of-year gala in Nairobi Wednesday night.

The Footballer of the Year Awards' nomination list is dominated by players from the two clubs with United featuring in eight of the categories and Sofapaka receiving eight nominations in all.

Peter Opiyo is the hot favourite to win the midfielder of the year award in Wednesday night's awards gala.

The Gor Mahia star has enjoyed another outstanding season, spearheading his sides' push for glory in both the Football Kenya Limited Cup and the Premier League.

The same can also be said of this industrious midfielder on the international scene where his touch, ability to read the game and play a holding midfielder's role has been undisputedly effective.

Other contenders for the price are John Baraza of Sofapaka, Mathare United duo of Joseph Nyaga and Edgar Ochieng. Sofapaka's James Situma completes the top list.

But there is no room for Opiyo's impressive Gor team-mates, Dancun Owiti and Ibrahim Kitawi or Sofapaka's consistent striker, Bob Mugalia.

Opiyo, Titus Mulama of Mathare United and Chrispine Olando of Thika United are also in contention for the midfielder's gong, along with James Situma of Sofapaka.

Humphrey Mieno of Kenya Commercial Bank is also in the reckoning for the award.

"This is a moment I never thought it would come. I thank my God for this opportunity and I believe that there are more in store for me. Should I win in the three categories I've nominated in, I will be the happiest man," said the Harambee Stars midfielder.

15 goals this season

Situma is also nominated for the fair play award while Opiyo is also nominated in the new player of the year category for the duo to lead with three nominations each.

Mathare United's Titus Mulama and Edgar Ochieng have two nominations each, while Baraza, Situma's teammate at Sofapaka, seemed to have found his ground after globetrotting to Asia, Europe and East Africa.

His 15 goals this season, first seven for Chemelil then eight for Sofapaka, saw him share the top scorers award with Tusker's Nigerian import Joseph Emeka.

After guiding league debutants, Sofapaka, to their maiden league title with an incredible mean defence, Robert Matano tops the Coache of the Year category where he will battle it out with last year's winner Francis Kimanzi.

Gor Mahia's 'turn-around' coach, Gideon Ochieng, is also in the race to stake claim the the coveted price.