Kenya's finest players set to be feted tomorrow

Football
By Standard Sports | Jun 03, 2026
Murang'a Seal captain Joe Waithira (left) in action during their SportPesa Premier League match against Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on May 17. [SPL Media]

The curtain will officially come down on the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League season tomorrow as the league’s finest players, coaches, clubs, fans, and storytellers gather for the inaugural league’s Gala Awards.

The gala will celebrate excellence across the game following a highly competitive season that saw Gor Mahia crowned league champions and several standout performances emerge from across the country.

Among the night’s most eagerly anticipated honours is the coveted Player of the Season award, where three outstanding performers will battle for the league’s highest individual accolade. Gor Mahia midfield maestro Enock Morrison, Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, and Murang’a Seal forward Joseph Waithira headline a stellar shortlist that reflects the quality witnessed throughout the campaign.

Morrison was instrumental in Gor Mahia’s title-winning season, Owili established himself as one of the league’s most consistent defensive performers for newcomers Mara, while ‘King Joe’s goalscoring exploits propelled Murang’a Seal into the spotlight.

The race for Coach of the Season promises to be equally compelling.

Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani, and APS Bomet’s Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo have all been recognised after guiding their respective sides through impressive campaigns that dwarfed last season’s performances.

Young talent will also be celebrated through the Young Player of the Season category, featuring Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), and Robinson Musungu (Mara Sugar) among others.

“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 SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia.

The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) will play a key role in recognising excellence beyond the pitch, overseeing the selection of the prestigious Golden Pen Award and the Content Creator of the Year Award. [Standard Sports]

 

Share this story
When the hunter became the hunted at Nyayo Stadium
Tear gas filled the air of the tranquil stands of Nyayo Stadium after Tusker’s 3-1 victory was eclipsed by messy scenes, with some fans invading the pitch, and some property damaged.
Thunder top Northern Kenya Championships
Thunder, best team in the Northern Kenya Polo Championships over the weekend after winning all their matches in the four-team round robin competition to win Nanyuki Sports Club Challenge Cup.
Youngsters impress at Junior Golf Series at Vipingo
 It was a true test of skill and talent as junior stars stunned parents across the cool winds and fast greens at the par 72 Vipingo Baobab Course in Kilifi County on Sunday.
Kenyans shift focus to Zurich as Diamond League enters homestretch
Attention is on the second last meet of the Diamond League circuit this Thursday after thrilling showdowns in Silesia, Poland on Sunday.
Ngeera and Mwakitawa shine at Western Junior Open in Kakamega
Justin Ngeera and Maryam Mwakitawa held their nerve in the final round to emerge as the overall winners of the third NCBA Western Junior Open at Kakamega Sports Club.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS