After nine months of intense competition, memorable goals, tactical masterclasses, and breakout performances, the 2025/26 SportPesa League season is set for one final spectacle. This Thursday, the football fraternity will gather in Nairobi for the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Awards, an event designed to honour the individuals and institutions that left their mark on the campaign.

The ceremony will serve as the official conclusion to a season that captivated supporters across the country and delivered plenty of talking points. While Gor Mahia successfully reclaimed the league title through consistency and experience, the season also showcased emerging talents, ambitious clubs and standout performers whose contributions deserve recognition beyond the league table.

Among the most closely watched categories will be the Player of the Season award. The shortlist reflects three very different paths to excellence. Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison was the heartbeat of a championship-winning side, dictating play and delivering crucial performances when it mattered most. Mara Sugar’s Jimmy Owili, meanwhile, emerged as one of the league’s most dependable defenders, helping the newly promoted side compete confidently against established opponents. Completing the trio is Murang’a Seal striker Joseph Waithira, whose eye for goal turned him into one of the season’s biggest stars and played a central role in his club’s impressive campaign.

The contest for Coach of the Season is equally intriguing. Charles Akonnor’s leadership guided Gor Mahia to league glory, but AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani and APS Bomet’s Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo have equally compelling cases. Omollo, in particular, has earned widespread praise after exceeding expectations with APS Bomet and transforming the club into one of the season’s surprise packages.

Attention will also turn to the future of Kenyan football through the Young Player of the Season award. Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United’s Kevin Wangaya and Mara Sugar youngster Robinson Musungu have all enjoyed breakthrough seasons that suggest brighter days lie ahead for both club and country.

Beyond the traditional football awards, the gala seeks to recognize the many individuals who contribute to the growth of the game away from the pitch. Journalists, photographers, broadcasters, videographers and digital content creators will be acknowledged through awards overseen by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), highlighting the role of storytelling in growing fan engagement and preserving the sport’s history.

Several other accolades will also be presented during the evening, including Best Midfielder, Best Defender, Golden Glove, Golden Boot, Best Referee, Players’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Season, Most Disciplined Team, Most Disciplined Player, Team of the Season and the President’s Award.

Adding an interactive dimension to the event, supporters will have the final say in determining the winners of the Goal of the Season and Save of the Season awards. Voting will take place through official SportPesa League and Football Kenya Federation digital platforms, allowing fans to reward the moments that thrilled them most throughout the campaign.

The gala represents more than just an awards ceremony. It marks another milestone in the continued growth of Kenyan football and reflects the increasing interest in the domestic game. According to SportPesa Marketing and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia, the company’s first season as title sponsor has delivered encouraging results both on and off the pitch.

“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.

He noted that the awards gala provides an opportunity to recognise everyone who contributed to the success of the season, from players and coaches to supporters and stakeholders across the football ecosystem.

“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,” he added.

The event will be broadcast live on Azam TV and the SportPesa YouTube channel, allowing fans across the country to witness the crowning of the season’s top performers.