The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the 2025/26 football calendar as the elite of the SportPesa League prepare to converge on the luxurious Glee Hotel this Thursday for the highly anticipated end-of-season Gala awards.
Topping the billboard is Kariobangi Sharks’ sensational prodigy Humphrey Aroko, whose breakout campaign sees him headline an incredibly competitive Young Player of the Season category, cap off a magnificent season with a spot in the prestigious Team of the Season, and loom large in the Golden Boot race.
At just 21, Aroko has evolved from a raw prospect into one of the league’s most lethal forwards. The Sharks youngster racked up an astonishing 12 goals and 7 assists in 28 matches. Boasting 95 shot attempts and 35 chances created, his relentless attacking drive earned him 6 Player of the Match (POTM) accolades and a Player of the Month award.
Aroko faces stiff competition from Mara Sugar’s defensive rock Robinson Musungu, who featured in all 33 matches with a staggering 230 clearances, and Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya, who made a massive impact in just 16 appearances.
The battle for the ultimate crown—Player of the Season—presents a fascinating contrast of styles, pitting midfield mastery and defensive resilience against raw, unadulterated goal-scoring form.
- Joseph Waithira (Murang’a Seal): The lethal frontman has been an absolute revelation. In 32 appearances, Waithira hammered home 19 goals to lead the Golden Boot race heading into the final match week. With a 51% shot accuracy and a Player of the Month award already under his belt, he is arguably the favorite for the top prize.
- Enock Morrison (Gor Mahia): The midfield maestro has been the engine behind K’Ogalo’s success. Playing 30 matches, Morrison controlled tempos, completed 1,008 passes, won 61 balls, and earned 9 Team of the Week selections.
- Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar): The modern blueprint for a ball-playing defender. Owili featured in 33 matches, contributing an incredible 8 assists from the backline alongside 157 clearances and 80 interceptions.
Tactical Masters: Coach of the Season
From the technical benches, three tacticians have been shortlisted for turning their squads into formidable footballing machines. Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor leads the pack with a stunning 61% win rate and 16 clean sheets from 33 matches. He is pushed hard by AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani, who secured a 58% win rate and scooped two Coach of the Month awards. Rounding out the nominees is APS Bomet’s Sammy Omollo, who stabilized his side over 19 matches with a commendable 42% win rate.
Positional Battles: Midfield, Defense, and the Golden Gloves
The specialized categories are equally tight. In the Best Midfielder category, Gor Mahia’s Morrison finds himself locked in a battle with AFC Leopards’ dynamic Tyson Otieno (18 complete dribbles) and Kakamega Homeboyz’s veteran passer Estone Esiye.
Defensively, Mara Sugar’s Owili stands tall in the Best Defender category alongside Kenya Police’s veteran international Abud Omar and Shabana’s rock Wycliffe Omondi, who guided Tore Bobe to a disciplined defensive record.
Speaking of Shabana, their goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng Otieno has officially locked down the Golden Glove after keeping an unmatched 16 clean sheets and making 95 saves in 27 matches, anchoring his spot in the Team of the Season.
While the Golden Boot will officially be confirmed after the Match Week 34 fixtures—with Waithira (19 goals) holding a slender one-goal advantage over Ulinzi Stars’ Paul Okoth (18 goals)—the race for the Most Disciplined Player is a refreshing testament to fair play. Mara Sugar’s Drona Openda (1 yellow card, 6 fouls in 31 matches) and Mathare United’s Ian Omondi (0 yellow cards, 20 fouls in 30 matches) lead the nominations.
