Murang’a Seal striker Josephat Lopaga has been rewarded for his blistering start to the 2026/27 SportPesa League campaign after being named October’s Player of the Month, while Gor Mahia tactician Charles Akonnor claimed the coach's award following a flawless opening month.
Lopaga, 24, emerged as the standout performer after scoring six goals and providing one assist in four appearances.
His impressive return underlines his growing influence at Murang’a Seal, where he has stepped into the sizeable shoes of former captain and last season’s Golden Boot winner, Joseph Waithira.
The former Gor Mahia youth player beat a strong field led by Gor Mahia captain Alpha Onyango, who finished runner-up after scoring three goals and providing one assist in four matches.
Lopaga’s remarkable performances were further rewarded with two Man of the Match awards, two Team of the Week selections and the league’s highest average player rating of 7.2 out of 10, according to Tisini Analytics.
For Lopaga, however, the individual honour represents more than just his goalscoring exploits. It marks another milestone in a football journey shaped by adversity, displacement and an unwavering determination to change his fortunes.
The son of a herdsman, Lopaga grew up in Baragoi, Samburu County, a region long affected by cattle rustling and insecurity. At just 12, he fled his home, embarking on a difficult journey that took him through Maralal, Nyahururu and Nakuru before eventually settling in Nairobi, where he found refuge from the violence and discovered his passion for football.
His talent earned him a place in Gor Mahia’s youth team in 2017 before he made his top-flight debut with the now-defunct Mount Kenya United in 2019.
He subsequently had stints at Posta Rangers and AFC Leopards before venturing abroad, where he turned out for Omani side Dhofar and Belarusian clubs Dynamo Brest and Naftan Novopolotsk.
After returning to Kenya in 2025, he joined Kakamega Homeboyz before switching to Murang’a Seal ahead of the current campaign.
With Seal seeking to fill the considerable void left by Waithira, Lopaga has wasted little time making his presence felt, establishing himself as one of the early standouts of the season.
"I am very grateful for this recognition. I want to keep working hard, scoring goals and contributing to the team. I believe if I remain focused and continue performing, more opportunities and recognition will come," Lopaga said.
The two leading contenders came face to face in the season opener at Nyayo National Stadium on October 13, when Gor Mahia edged Murang’a Seal 4-2 in a six-goal thriller.
Onyango opened the scoring for the champions before Lopaga struck twice after the break.
The Gor Mahia captain also scored against APS Bomet and Bandari, finding the net in three consecutive matches.
AFC Leopards defender Kevin Luke Otiala, who kept three clean sheets in four appearances, and Shabana goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila, who made nine saves, recorded three clean sheets and saved a penalty, were the other nominees.
Lopaga received Sh50,000 and a customised trophy in recognition of his achievement.
Meanwhile, Akonnor has wasted little time picking up where he left off after guiding Gor Mahia to a record-extending 22nd league title last season.
The Ghanaian tactician, who was named the 2025/26 Coach of the Season, has now claimed his third monthly coaching award, having previously won the accolade in October 2025 and January 2026.
His latest triumph also marks his second consecutive October coaching award.
Under his guidance, Gor Mahia enjoyed a perfect October, winning all four matches, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice. They also kept three clean sheets to establish themselves at the summit of the standings.
Akonnor beat Murang’a Seal coach Dennis Odhiambo to the award, despite Seal's impressive attacking return of 11 goals during the month.
However, Seal's defensive struggles proved costly. They conceded nine goals and failed to keep a clean sheet, while Gor Mahia's defensive solidity and perfect winning record ultimately tilted the contest in Akonnor's favour.
"I am grateful for this recognition, but this award belongs to the players, my technical team and everyone working behind the scenes. Our focus has been on preparing well for every match, maintaining discipline and ensuring we continue to improve as a team. We have started the season positively, but there is still a long way to go and we must remain hungry and consistent," Akonnor said.
The former Ghana international and Black Stars head coach received Sh75,000 and a customised trophy.
