The curtain will come down on the 2025/26 SportPesa League season this Thursday with the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards, bringing together the league’s top players, coaches, clubs, fans, and media professionals in a celebration of football excellence.

The awards ceremony, the first under SportPesa’s title sponsorship of the league, will honour outstanding performances from a highly competitive campaign that saw Gor Mahia crowned champions after a strong and consistent season.

At the heart of the evening’s excitement is the Player of the Season award, where three standout performers will compete for the league’s top individual honour. The shortlist features Gor Mahia midfield orchestrator Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, and Murang’a Seal forward Joseph Waithira.

Morrison played a central role in Gor Mahia’s title-winning run, Owili emerged as one of the most reliable defenders for newcomers Mara Sugar, while Waithira’s goal-scoring form for Murang’a Seal made him one of the breakout attacking talents of the season.

Tight race for Coach of the Season

Competition for Coach of the Season is equally intense, with Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani, and APS Bomet’s Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo all recognised for guiding their sides through impressive campaigns that marked a clear improvement from the previous season.

Spotlight on emerging talent

Young Player of the Season will highlight the league’s rising stars, with Kariobangi Sharks’ Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, and Mara Sugar’s Robinson Musungu all earning nominations for their breakthrough performances.

SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia said the inaugural gala marks a significant milestone for the league under the new sponsorship era.

He noted that the season has delivered improved competitiveness, growing fan engagement, and stronger performances across clubs, describing Gor Mahia’s triumph as a deserving conclusion to a closely contested campaign.

“We now look forward to celebrating the players, coaches, clubs, fans, and stakeholders who have made this season special,” he said, adding that the gala will set a strong foundation for future growth.

Media and content creators to be honoured

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 elevated coverage of Kenyan football throughout the season.

SJAK President James Waindi said the awards reflect the essential role of media professionals in documenting and promoting the sport, adding that their work continues to inspire fans and future generations.

Wide range of awards on the night

Other honours to be presented include the 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.

The Goal of the Season and Save of the Season categories will be decided through public voting, giving fans a direct voice in two of the most anticipated awards of the night.

Voting details

Voting opens on Wednesday, 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, offering fans across the region an opportunity to follow the event in real time.

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 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)