The race for the biggest individual honour in Kenyan football is officially on after the unveiling of the nominees for the 2025/26 SportPesa League Player of the Year Award.
Five standout performers from across the league have been shortlisted following exceptional campaigns that defined one of the most competitive seasons in recent years. Gor Mahia duo Shariff Musa and Enoch Morrison headline the list alongside AFC Leopards defender Kayci Odhiambo, Murang’a SEAL striker Joe Waithira, and Mara Sugar fullback Jimmy Owili.
The winner is expected to be announced during the official SportPesa League Awards Gala scheduled for June 4 in Nairobi, marking the climax of a season filled with drama, title battles, surprise performances, and individual brilliance.
Gor Mahia dominance reflected in nominations
Fresh from reclaiming the league title, Gor Mahia have two players among the finalists, underlining the club’s dominance throughout the campaign.
Midfielder Enock Morrison has been central to K’Ogalo’s success, controlling games from midfield while contributing three goals and four assists in 30 league appearances. The Ghanaian international also impressed defensively, registering 61 balls won and 34 successful tackles during the season.
His teammate Shariff Musa has equally enjoyed a brilliant season on the wings. Musa contributed six goals and seven assists while constantly tormenting defenders with his pace and creativity. He also won the league’s Player of the Month award in October 2025, becoming one of the earliest players to stamp authority on the season.
The pair played a major role in helping Gor Mahia return to the summit after dethroning Kenya Police and securing what would become the club’s record-extending 22nd league title.
Waithira’s goals power Murang’a SEAL survival
Murang’a SEAL forward Joe Waithira enters the awards race after a sensational individual campaign in front of goal.
Waithira currently leads the league scoring charts with 19 goals and was instrumental in helping Murang’a SEAL avoid relegation trouble during difficult phases of the season. His performances consistently kept the club competitive and earned him multiple individual recognitions across the campaign.
The striker also won the December 2025 Player of the Month award after scoring four goals in three matches, further strengthening his credentials as one of the league’s most lethal attackers.
Kayci shines despite AFC Leopards heartbreak
AFC Leopards defender Kayci Odhiambo has also earned widespread praise after anchoring one of the league’s strongest defensive units.
Kayci helped Ingwe register 13 clean sheets during the season while also contributing three goals from defence. His leadership and consistency kept AFC Leopards in the title race for most of the campaign before they faded in the closing weeks.
Earlier in the season, Kayci was nominated for the January 2026 Player of the Month award after producing several match-winning performances for the club.
Owili emerges as Mara Sugar’s standout performer
Completing the shortlist is Mara Sugar defender Jimmy Owili, whose performances from left-back have attracted admiration throughout the league.
Owili contributed three goals and eight assists while also excelling defensively with more than 150 clearances and 80 interceptions across the campaign. His displays helped Mara Sugar comfortably secure a top-half finish in what has been one of the club’s strongest seasons in recent years.
The defender had previously been shortlisted for the January Player of the Month award after a series of influential performances despite Mara Sugar struggling for consistency at the time.
Awards gala to celebrate Kenyan football
The 2025/26 SportPesa League Awards Gala will celebrate outstanding performances across multiple categories including Player of the Year, Golden Boot, Goalkeeper of the Year, Coach of the Season, Team of the Season, and Fan of the Year.
The ceremony also marks the first full season since SportPesa returned as title sponsors of Kenya’s top-flight league, with organizers promising a grand event to recognize the growth and competitiveness of Kenyan football.
With strong cases made by all five nominees, attention now shifts to the gala night where one player will ultimately walk away with the most prestigious individual award in Kenyan football.
