Simba SC midfielder Francis Kahata has been named the best player in the Mainland Premier League for the month of December.
The former Gor Mahia striker scooped the award after beating teammate Hassan Dilunga and Bakari Mwanyeto from Coastal Union.
Kahata enjoyed a good run in December with Simba which helped his side to open a ten-point lead at the summit of the 16-team table.
He featured in five matches for Simba during the month of December, helping his team to haul nine points after winning all three matches.
They beat Lipuli 4-0, before beating KMC 2-0 and overpowered Ndanda with a 2-0 victory.
Kahata made an immense contribution as he scored two goals and provided one assist as Simba maintained their grip of the top spot on the log with 34 points from 13 matches.
Young Africans (Yanga SC) caretaker Coach Mkwasa won coach of the month award, outshining Simba’s Sven Vandenbroeck and Juma Mgunda of Coastal Union. Mkwasa led Yanga to two wins and a draw.
The winner of the player of the month award will receive a trophy and 1m/- cash prize from the league's main sponsors Vodacom Tanzania and as well a decoder from the league co-sponsor Azam TV.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kahata thanked his teammates for helping him to achieve the fete.
“I did it because of my teammates and I want to thank them for the support they have accorded me since I signed for the club,” Kahata told reporters.
Kahata’s Simba are currently in Zanzibar where they are taking part in the 13th edition of the Mapinduzi Cup.
The league champions are pooled in Group B of the competition with Mtibwa Sugar, Chipukizi and Zimamoto while rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) are packed in Group A together with Jamhuri, Mlandege and the defending champions Azam FC.
Simba will open their campaign for the trophy with a match against Zimamoto on Tuesday.