A resurgent January-run by Gor Mahia has been capped with individual recognition, as defender Paul Ochuoga and head coach Charles Akonnor were crowned the FKF Premier League Player and Coach of the Month respectively.

The record champions won all but one of their six matches during the month, opening a four-point lead over Mashemeji rivals AFC Leopards who have a game in hand.

 

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Ochuoga was instrumental as he delivered a consistent run of performances down the right flank, capping the month with five goal involvements which included a goal and three assists, the best attacking contribution during the period.

“This award means a lot to me because it reflects the work we put in as a team,” said Ochuoga. “I dedicate it to my coaches, teammates, and the fans who push us to be and remain the best in such a competitive league.”

For his exploits, the 21-year-old academy graduate received a KES 50,000 cash prize and a customized trophy courtesy of SportPesa.

AFC Leopards defender Kaycie Odhiambo finished runner-up, having helped his side keep three clean sheets in five matches, and scoring a match-winning goal against Sofapaka.

Akonnor wins it again

For his boss, ‘CK’ Akonnor, it’s the second time he is winning the award, having also been crowned the best boss in October 2025.

The Ghanaian was a man under immense pressure in December – a return of just one win in five matches had a cross-section of fans calling for his dismissal – but he turned things around when the new year set in.

 

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“January was demanding, but the players responded well to our ideas,” he noted. “We are building something, and this is further testament that the work the technical team is doing is taking shape,” he added while displaying the SportPesa best coach award which comes with a KES 75,000 cash prize and a customized trophy.

AFC coach Fred Ambani came second

Gor Mahia posted an impressive 83%-win rate in January – the highest among all teams – scoring 15 goals, conceding only four, and keeping three clean sheets across six matches.

AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani was the runner-up after guiding his side to an 80% win rate, conceding just two goals in five matches.

Green Army Sweep: Paul Ochuoga and Charles Akonnor Dominate January FKF PL Awards

A resurgent January run by reigning champions Gor Mahia has been capped with prestigious individual recognition. In a ceremony that highlighted the club’s dominance over the last four weeks, defender Paul Ochuoga and head coach Charles Akonnor were crowned the FKF Premier League Player and Coach of the Month, respectively.

The awards come as a testament to a near-perfect month where the record champions won all but one of their six matches. This blistering form has allowed K’Ogalo to open a crucial four-point lead at the summit of the table over their eternal “Mashemeji” rivals, AFC Leopards, although Ingwe still holds a game in hand.

For a full breakdown of the current title race, check our updated FKF Premier League Standings.

The Rise of Paul Ochuoga: A Modern Fullback

While attackers usually hog the headlines, Paul Ochuoga has forced pundits to take notice with a string of electric performances down the right flank. The 21-year-old academy graduate was instrumental in Gor Mahia’s attacking machinery, redefining the role of a modern fullback in the local league.

Ochuoga capped the month with an incredible five goal involvements, a stat line that would be the envy of many strikers. His contribution included a well-taken goal and a series of assists that unlocked stubborn defenses. This was statistically the best attacking contribution by any player in the league during the period.

“This award means a lot to me because it reflects the work we put in as a team,” said an elated Ochuoga upon receiving the award. “I dedicate it to my coaches, teammates, and the fans who push us to be and remain the best in such a competitive league.”

For his heroics, the youngster received a KES 50,000 cash prize and a customized trophy courtesy of the league sponsors, SportPesa.

A Defender’s Month

Interestingly, the race for the Player of the Month was a battle of defenders. AFC Leopards center-back Kaycie Odhiambo finished as the runner-up. Odhiambo was a rock at the back for Ingwe, helping his side keep three clean sheets in five matches and scoring a vital match-winning goal against Sofapaka. The fact that two defenders topped the voting highlights the tactical discipline currently on display in the top tier.

The Resurrection of Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor

For the boss, Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor, this award is more than just a trophy; it is a vindication. It marks the second time the Ghanaian tactician has won the accolade this season, having also been crowned the best manager in October 2025.

However, the month of December was a period of immense pressure for the Gor Mahia gaffer. A dismal return of just one win in five matches had a cross-section of the notoriously impatient fans calling for his dismissal. But like a true champion, he turned things around when the new year set in.

“January was demanding, but the players responded well to our ideas,” he noted in his acceptance speech. “We are building something, and this is further testament that the work the technical team is doing is taking shape.”

Tactical Brilliance

Under Akonnor’s stewardship, Gor Mahia posted an impressive 83%-win rate in January – the highest among all teams in the league. Their goal tally was even more impressive: scoring 15 goals and conceding only four, while keeping three clean sheets across six matches. This combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity made them unstoppable.

For his exploits, Akonnor received a KES 75,000 cash prize and a customized trophy.

The Mashemeji Title Race Heats Up

The awards were a clean sweep for the “Green Army,” but their biggest rivals were right on their heels. AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani finished as the runner-up in the Coach of the Month category. He guided Ingwe to an impressive 80% win rate, conceding just two goals in five matches.

This rivalry adds spice to the remainder of the season. With only four points separating the two giants of Kenyan football, every match counts. Can Gor Mahia maintain this momentum and defend their title? Or will AFC Leopards finally end their trophy drought?