By KPC Sports Reporter
The debate over who was the standout performer in the 2025/26 SportPesa League season is set to be settled on Thursday when the league’s top players, coaches, clubs, fans and media personalities converge for the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards.
The awards ceremony, the first to be held under SportPesa’s title sponsorship of the league, will mark the official conclusion of a highly competitive campaign that saw Gor Mahia crowned champions and several players emerge as stars across the country.
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At the center of attention will be the coveted Player of the Season award, where Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili and Murang’a Seal striker Joseph Waithira will battle for the league’s highest individual honour.
Morrison played a key role in Gor Mahia’s title-winning campaign, Owili established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the league for newcomers Mara Sugar, while Waithira’s prolific goalscoring exploits propelled Murang’a Seal into the spotlight.
The Coach of the Season category is also expected to attract keen interest, with Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani and APS Bomet’s Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo nominated after guiding their teams through impressive seasons that eclipsed their previous campaigns.
Young football talent will also be recognized through the Young Player of the Season award, where Humphrey Aroko of Kariobangi Sharks, Kevin Wangaya of Nairobi United and Robinson Musungu of Mara Sugar are among the nominees.
SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia said the company was proud of the progress made during its first season as league sponsors.
“As we conclude our first season as title sponsors of the SportPesa League, we are proud of the progress made both on and off the pitch. The league has flowed well, competition has been strong, fan interest has grown, and we have crowned worthy champions in Gor Mahia,” said Akhulia.
He added that the gala would provide a fitting finale to a successful season.
“We now look forward to celebrating the players, coaches, clubs, fans, and stakeholders who have made this season special at the Gala Awards. We believe it will be a fitting conclusion to a successful season and a strong foundation for even bigger things ahead,” he said.
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) will oversee the selection of the Golden Pen Award and the Content Creator of the Year Award, recognizing journalists and digital creators who have contributed to the growth and visibility of Kenyan football.
SJAK President James Waindi emphasized the importance of sports storytellers in promoting the game.
“The Golden Pen Award and Content Creator of the Year categories celebrate the vital role that journalists, broadcasters, photographers, videographers, and digital creators play in connecting fans to the game. Their work helps preserve the history of our sport, inspire future generations, and elevate the profile of Kenyan football,” said Waindi.
Other awards to be presented 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 outcome of the Goal of the Season and Save of the Season awards through a public voting process that opens on June 3 across official SportPesa League and Football Kenya Federation social media platforms.
The gala will be broadcast live on Azam TV and the SportPesa YouTube channel, giving football fans across the country an opportunity to follow the event.
Among the notable nominees are Enock Morrison, Tyson Otieno and Estone Esiye for Best Midfielder; Jimmy Owili, Abud Omar and Wycliffe Omondi for Best Defender; while Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng Otieno is nominated for the Golden Glove award.
Golden Boot contenders are Joseph Waithira of Murang’a Seal and Paul Okoth of Ulinzi Stars. Fan of the Season nominees include Abraham Otieno of AFC Leopards, Frank Mombasa of Shabana, Leonard Onyango “Taya Dok” of Gor Mahia, Collins Lumumba of Kakamega Homeboyz and Katrina Wamboi of KCB.
