The 2025/26 SportPesa League season will officially conclude this Thursday with the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards, where players, coaches, clubs, fans, and media personalities will be honoured for their performances throughout the campaign.
The gala marks the first awards ceremony under SportPesa’s title sponsorship of the league, celebrating a season that delivered intense competition and culminated in a title triumph for Gor Mahia.
The night’s most closely watched category, Player of the Season, features three standout nominees: Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, and Murang’a Seal striker Joseph Waithira.
Morrison was a driving force in Gor Mahia’s successful title charge, Owili impressed with his consistency at the back for Mara Sugar, while Waithira’s goal-scoring exploits for Murang’a Seal made him one of the most exciting attacking revelations of the season.
Coaches battle for top honour
The Coach of the Season category promises a tight contest, with Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards tactician Fred Ambani, and APS Bomet’s Sammy Omollo all nominated after guiding their teams through strong campaigns that showed clear progress.
Young stars take centre stage
Attention will also turn to emerging talent in the Young Player of the Season category, where Kariobangi Sharks’ Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, and Mara Sugar’s Robinson Musungu have been shortlisted after breakthrough seasons.
SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia said the inaugural gala represents a major milestone for the league under its new sponsorship era, noting improved competitiveness, stronger fan engagement, and increased visibility across the season.
He added that the awards will provide a fitting conclusion to a successful campaign while setting the stage for future growth of the league.
Media excellence recognised
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) will oversee media-related categories, including the Golden Pen Award and Content Creator of the Year, honouring journalists, broadcasters, photographers, and digital creators who have played a key role in elevating coverage of Kenyan football.
SJAK President James Waindi said the awards highlight the importance of storytelling in sport, noting that media professionals continue to connect fans with the game while preserving its history.
Wide range of awards
Other categories 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 two categories — Goal of the Season and Save of the Season — through public voting.
Voting opens June 3
Voting for all applicable categories will open on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, across official SportPesa League and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) digital platforms.
The Gala Awards will be broadcast live on Azam TV and the SportPesa YouTube channel, allowing fans across the region to follow the ceremony.
Key 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)
