In Summary 

• ​Murang’a Seal striker Josephat Lopaga claimed October honors after recording six goals and one assist across four matches, walking away with KSh 50,000 and a custom trophy.
• ​Gor Mahia tactician Charles Akonnor secured his second consecutive October coaching award—and KSh 75,000—after guiding the champions to an unbeaten four-win start.
• ​Lopaga edged out Gor Mahia captain Alpha Onyango, while Akonnor’s defensive discipline proved decisive over Murang’a Seal coach Dennis Odhiambo.

​Murang’a Seal forward Josephat Lopaga and Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor have been named the SportPesa League Player and Coach of the Month for October, kickstarting the 2026/27 Kenyan top-flight campaign in commanding fashion.

​For 24-year-old Lopaga, the accolade marks a major milestone in a remarkable career defined by resilience.

Having fled cattle rustling and insecurity in Baragoi, Samburu County at age 12, Lopaga eventually found stability in Nairobi through football—progressing from Gor Mahia’s youth ranks and local stints at Posta Rangers and AFC Leopards to professional spells in Oman (Dhofar) and Belarus (Dynamo Brest and Naftan Novopolotsk).

Returning to Kenya ahead of the new season to fill the void left by former Golden Boot winner Joseph Waithira, Lopaga wasted no time delivering for Murang’a Seal.

Fierce Battle for Top Player Honors

​Lopaga’s explosive start—which included two Man of the Match awards and the league’s highest Tisini Analytics average rating (7.2/10)—proved just enough to fend off stiff competition from Gor Mahia skipper Alpha Onyango.

Onyango finished as runner-up after netting three goals and one assist in four appearances, including an opener against Lopaga’s Seal in Gor Mahia’s thrilling 4–2 season-opening victory at Nyayo National Stadium on October 13, where Lopaga struck twice in the second half.

AFC Leopards defender Kevin Luke Otiala and Shabana goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila rounded out the final shortlist.

​”I am very grateful for this recognition. I want to keep working hard, scoring goals and contributing to the team,” said Lopaga, who has previously shared ambitions of opening a youth football academy back home in Baragoi.

“I believe if I remain focused and continue performing, more opportunities and recognition will come.”

​Akonnor Continues Winning Formula at Gor Mahia

​On the touchline, former Ghana international and Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor picked up right where he left off after guiding K’Ogalo to a record-extending 22nd league crown and winning the 2025/26 Coach of the Season title.

This marks Akonnor’s third monthly award in Kenya—having previously won in October 2025 and January 2026.

​While Murang’a Seal coach Dennis Odhiambo oversaw an attacking side that scored 11 goals in October, their nine goals conceded and lack of clean sheets left the door open for Akonnor, whose disciplined squad posted three clean sheets while conceding just twice.

​”I am grateful for this recognition, but this award belongs to the players, my technical team and everyone working behind the scenes,” Akonnor noted.

“We have started the season positively, but there is still a long way to go and we must remain hungry and consistent.”

​SportPesa Head of Partnership and Sponsorships Japheth Akhulia praised both winners, noting that the monthly awards reflect the sponsor’s ongoing drive to reward measurable excellence and elevate competitive standards across Kenyan football.