Tony Mballa (centre) being congratulated by Posta Rangers head coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno (left) and FKF Technical Director Francis Kimanzi during the awards gala/HANDOUT

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‎The Star sports reporter Tony Mballa was honoured at the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League Gala Awards after being named first runner-up in the Sports Journalism category.

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‎Mballa received the Golden Pen recognition during a colourful ceremony held at Glee Hotel in Nairobi Thursday night, which brought together players, coaches, club officials, sponsors and media practitioners to celebrate excellence during the just-concluded football season.

‎The award recognised Mballa's contribution to sports journalism and his extensive coverage of Kenyan football throughout the campaign.

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‎Speaking after receiving the accolade, Mballa described the recognition as a significant milestone in his career.

‎"This is a moment I will never forget in my career. To stand among the best sports journalists in Kenya and be recognised at this level is truly special," he said.

‎Mballa has become a familiar voice in Kenyan football reporting through his match reports, exclusive interviews, feature stories and analysis of the local game.

‎Over the course of the season, his reporting chronicled key developments in the SportPesa Premier League, from title races and transfer stories to profiles of emerging talent and the challenges facing clubs and administrators.

‎"I am truly honoured to be named first runner-up. It is not just my achievement, but a reflection of the hard work behind every story I have written this season," he said.

‎He dedicated the award to colleagues, editors and readers who have supported his work.

‎"I dedicate this recognition to every editor who has pushed me to be better, every colleague who has challenged my work and every reader who has believed in my stories," Mballa said.

‎"Special thanks to my editors for their constant support, guidance and belief in my work even when the pressure was high."

‎The gala marked the conclusion of a memorable SportPesa Premier League season characterised by fierce competition, standout individual performances and growing commercial interest in Kenyan football.

‎Journalists were among the professionals recognised during the ceremony, underscoring the critical role of the media in documenting and promoting the growth of the sport.

‎Mballa noted that the recognition comes at a time when sports journalism is evolving rapidly amid growing digital audiences and changing news consumption habits.

‎"I see this as fuel to keep going, to keep pushing harder and to keep telling the stories of our football with honesty and passion," he said.

‎"I accept this award with a deep sense of responsibility. The game is growing, the audience is growing and we as journalists must grow with it."

‎The evening also honoured excellence on the pitch, with Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison emerging as one of the biggest winners after being named both Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Season.

‎Coach Charles Akonnor was recognised as Coach of the Season, while Murang'a Seal striker Joseph Waithira and Ulinzi Stars forward Paul Okoth shared the Golden Boot award after finishing the season with 19 goals each.

‎For Mballa, the award represents another milestone in a growing career dedicated to covering Kenyan sport and telling the stories that shape the country's football landscape.

‎His recognition at the gala reflects not only individual achievement but also the growing importance of quality sports journalism in supporting the development and visibility of Kenyan football.