The curtain will officially fall on the 2025/26 SportPesa League season this Thursday when the league’s top performers, coaches, clubs, fans, and media personalities gather for the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards.
The awards ceremony, the first since SportPesa assumed title sponsorship of the league, will celebrate outstanding achievements from a season marked by fierce competition, memorable performances, and the crowning of Gor Mahia as league champions.
At the heart of the evening will be the race for the prestigious Player of the Season award, with three standout performers shortlisted for the league’s highest individual honour.
Gor Mahia midfield general Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, and Murang’a Seal striker Joseph Waithira will battle for the accolade after impressive campaigns for their respective clubs.
Morrison played a pivotal role in Gor Mahia’s championship-winning season, while Owili emerged as one of the league’s most reliable defenders in Mara Sugar’s impressive debut campaign.
Waithira, popularly known as “King Joe”, earned recognition for his prolific goalscoring exploits that helped propel Murang’a Seal into national prominence.
The Coach of the Season category is expected to be equally competitive, with Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani, and APS Bomet’s Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo earning nominations after steering their teams to remarkable improvements and successful campaigns.
Rising stars will also be honoured through the Young Player of the Season award, where Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, and Mara Sugar’s Robinson Musungu have been shortlisted following breakthrough seasons.
SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia hailed the progress made during the company’s 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.
“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.”
Journalists and Content Creators to be Honoured
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) will oversee the selection of the Golden Pen Award and the Content Creator of the Year Award, recognising journalists, broadcasters, photographers, videographers, and digital creators who have contributed to the growth and visibility of Kenyan football.
SJAK President James Waindi underscored the importance of sports media 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,” Waindi said.
Other awards to be presented on the night 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 also have a direct say in the outcome of two major categories, with the winners of Goal of the Season and Save of the Season to be determined through public voting.
Voting opens on June 3, 2026, across official SportPesa League and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) social media platforms.
The gala ceremony will be broadcast live on Azam TV and the SportPesa YouTube channel, allowing football enthusiasts across the country to witness the historic event.
Main 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 “Pamzo” 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)