In this week’s edition of the player segment, News 9 Kenya
focuses on John Mark Makwatta, AFC Leopards striker.
After making a return to Kenya Premier League, Makwatta
emerged number one player of the month in the 2019 Sports Journalist Association
of Kenya award.
The award was sponsored by LG Kenya Ltd.
This was the second time Makwatta scooped the award, having
done so in his goal scoring season at Ulinzi Stars in 2017.
But who is John Mark Makwatta as a professional footballer…
When was Mark Makwatta’s
football career first realized?
Makwata was a player at the Kenyan JMJ Academy, before being
recruited by Nairobi City Stars in 2011. He played as a midfielder before the
then Nairobi City Stars coach Jan Koops fielded him as a striker.
How was his scoring
flair discovered?
Makwatta joined Ulinzi Stars Fc in October 2013, as a
midfielder but later played in the striking position, which opened his thirst
for goals
He finished as the second runners-up with 14 goals from 26
matches falling short of 8 goals from the top scorer Jesse Were and 5 less that
of Michael Olunga who finished as the runners-up.
The 2016 season started on high notch as Makwatta’s flair
for goals grew, making him finish as the top Scorer.
Has he played
international football?
Makwatta made his international debut on 29 May 2016 at Moi
International Stadium Kasarani coming in as a substitute for Ayub Timbe for
Harambee Stars in the 82’ minute, instigating a 1-1 draw match results.
In 2017, March Makwatta joined Zambian side Buildcon Fc.
He has also played in Egypt with Al-Nasr SC before returning
to Kenya Premier League at AFC Leopards in 2019.
Is there any award
won by Makwatta?
In 2015, ‘Signature free kicks’ won the April Sport
journalist association Kenya (SJAK) player of the month award, a prize he has
clinked to in September this year.
In October 2015, he worn Goal.com Kenya player of the week award
and Soka Player of the month.
Sunday clash with Sofapaka
Makwatta continues to shine in his quest for goals, even as
AFC Leopards smashed Sofapaka 2-0 on Sunday during the 2019 season campaign.
It took only 15 minutes for Mwakatta to break the deadlock
when he perfectly controlled the ball, turned his marker before releasing the
shot past a Sofapaka goalkeeper Richard Aimo.
Makwatta scored all the 2 goals completing his treble score
after joining Leopards in the season.
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