Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor and Murang’a SEAL forward Josephat Lopaga have been named the SportPesa League Coach and Player of the Month for October 2026, respectively.

The two were announced as the monthly award winners on Thursday, November 12, following impressive performances that set them apart in their respective categories.

Lopaga claimed the Player of the Month award after an outstanding scoring run that saw him register 6 goals and one assist in four league matches during October. He beat Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango and AFC Leopards forward Kevin Otiala, who were also shortlisted for the honour.

The Murang’a SEAL striker takes home Ksh.50,000 for his achievement, capping an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign. He has scored seven goals in his first six league appearances, placing him at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

His October exploits included braces against Gor Mahia, Posta Rangers and Nairobi United, alongside another goal against Ulinzi Stars.

On the coaching front, Akonnor was recognised after guiding Gor Mahia through an unbeaten October league campaign, collecting maximum points from four matches.

K’Ogalo opened the month with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL at Nyayo National Stadium before edging APS Bomet 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium.

They maintained their winning run with a 1-0 triumph over Bandari on October 24 before completing the month with another 1-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz on October 28.

Gor scored seven goals and conceded twice across the four fixtures, registering three clean sheets in the process.

Akonnor beat KCB’s Robert Matano and Murang’a SEAL’s Dennis Odhiambo to the coaching accolade, earning Ksh.75,000 and a commemorative trophy.

The award marks another individual milestone for the Ghanaian tactician, who continues to oversee Gor Mahia’s title defence.

However, the recognition comes against the backdrop of a recent dip in form, with Gor suffering a defeat to KCB before drawing against Nairobi United.

Speaking after receiving the award, Akonnor maintained confidence in his team’s ability to finish the season at the top despite the recent setbacks.

He attributed the October resurgence partly to psychological work with the players, which helped restore confidence following a demanding period involving CECAFA engagements and their CAF Champions League campaign.

Akonnor remained confident that Gor Mahia would finish the campaign on top despite their recent dip in form.

“The belief is that on the final day, when the league comes to an end, we’ll be on top,” he said.

He revealed that the club had engaged a psychologist to help the players regain their confidence, adding that opponents were increasingly studying Gor’s approach.

“As we go along, other teams are watching us, and they also find a strategy to outsmart us. So far, it’s been OK, but it’s not done yet. The journey is too long,” he noted.