The 2025/26 SportPesa League season will draw to a close this Thursday with the staging of the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards, bringing together the league’s top talent, coaches, clubs, fans, and media professionals for a night of celebration and recognition.
The event, the first of its kind under SportPesa’s title sponsorship, will cap off a highly competitive campaign that saw Gor Mahia clinch the league title after a strong and consistent season.
Player of the Season race headlines awards night
Attention will be firmly on the Player of the Season category, where three standout performers have been shortlisted: Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, and Murang’a Seal forward Joseph Waithira.
Morrison was instrumental in Gor Mahia’s championship-winning campaign, Owili earned plaudits for his defensive solidity throughout the season, while Waithira’s attacking output for Murang’a Seal marked him out as one of the league’s most exciting forwards.
Coaches in tight contest
The Coach of the Season award will see Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani, and APS Bomet’s Sammy Omollo compete after guiding their sides through notable and improved performances during the campaign.
Young talent takes spotlight
The Young Player of the Season category will showcase emerging stars, with Kariobangi Sharks’ Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, and Mara Sugar’s Robinson Musungu all earning recognition for their breakthrough seasons in top-flight football.
SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia said the gala represents a milestone moment for the league under its new sponsorship era, highlighting increased competitiveness, improved fan engagement, and rising standards across clubs.
He noted that the awards will provide a fitting conclusion to the season while laying the groundwork for further growth in the years ahead.
SJAK to honour media excellence
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) will oversee key media categories, including the Golden Pen Award and Content Creator of the Year, recognising journalists and digital storytellers who have contributed to the growth and visibility of Kenyan football.
SJAK President James Waindi said the awards underline the critical role of sports media in documenting the game, engaging fans, and preserving football history.
Wide range of honours
Other awards set for presentation include Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Goal of the Season, Save of the Season, Team of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Season, Best Referee, Most Disciplined Player, Most Disciplined Team, and the President’s Award.
Fans will have a direct say in the Goal of the Season and Save of the Season categories through public voting.
Voting opens June 3
Voting for all applicable categories opens on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, across official SportPesa League and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) platforms.
The Gala Awards will be broadcast live on Azam TV and the SportPesa YouTube channel, allowing supporters to follow the ceremony in real time.
Selected nominees
Player of the Season: Enock Morrison (Gor Mahia), Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar), Joseph Waithira (Murang’a Seal)
Coach of the Season: Charles Akonnor (Gor Mahia), Fred Ambani (AFC Leopards), Sammy Omollo (APS Bomet)
Young Player of the Season: Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Robinson Musungu (Mara Sugar)
Best Midfielder: Enock Morrison (Gor Mahia), Tyson Otieno (AFC Leopards), Estone Esiye (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Best Defender: Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Wycliffe Omondi (Shabana)
Golden Glove: Stephen Ochieng Otieno (Shabana)
Golden Boot: Joseph Waithira (Murang’a Seal), Paul Okoth (Ulinzi Stars)
Fan of the Season: Abraham Otieno (AFC Leopards), Frank Mombasa (Shabana), Leonard Onyango “Taya Dok” (Gor Mahia), Collins Lumumba (Kakamega Homeboyz), Katrina Wamboi (KCB)
