SportPesa has unveiled the third edition of its League Player and Coach of the Month Awards for December 2025, recognising their outstanding performances during a highly competitive festive period in the Kenyan league.
Murang’a SEAL skipper Joe Waithira was crowned the SportPesa League Player of the Month for December 2025 after an outstanding run that saw him play a decisive role during the festive period.
Waithira emerged best, scoring four goals in three matches to help Murang’a SEAL collect seven points from a possible nine and remain unbeaten throughout the month, edging out Ovella Ochieng’, Tyson Otieno, Paul Okoth, Jimmy Owili, and Bixente Lizarazu.
His goals came against Nairobi United, Kenya Police and a decisive brace away to Mara Sugar, underlining his consistency and match-winning influence during the busy holiday schedule.
For his efforts, Waithira received a Sh50,000 cash prize and a customised trophy, courtesy of league sponsors SportPesa.
Speaking after receiving the award, Waithira expressed his gratitude for the recognition, crediting his teammates and the technical bench for their role in his success.
“This award means a lot to me. It would not have been possible without my teammates and the coaches, especially for the team formation and training that helped me perform consistently,” said Waithira.
He has dedicated the award to the club’s longest-serving supporter, the late Mzee Kiangani, who passed away at the age of 71.
Waithira revealed that he changed his jersey number to 71 in honour of the devoted fan.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards Head Coach Fred Ambani was named the SportPesa League Coach of the Month for December 2025 following an impressive run that saw Ingwe finish the year 2025 at the summit of the league table.
Ambani guided AFC Leopards through an unbeaten December, registering three wins and one draw, conceding just one goal and keeping three clean sheets.
His standout results included a crucial 1-0 Mashemeji Derby victory over Gor Mahia, a resilient draw against Kenya Police, and narrow wins over Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United.
Ambani edged out KCB’s Robert Matano and Tusker FC’s Charles Okere to clinch the accolade.
He was awarded a Sh75,000 cash prize and a customised trophy, presented by SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia, who highlighted the growing influence of the awards on the league.
“This award has brought a new level of competitiveness to the league, making it more unpredictable and exciting for the fans,” said Akhulia.
“With partners like Tisini providing detailed statistics and data on players and coaches before and after matches—and with plans to extend this to halftime interactions—we are committed to making the league more engaging,” he said.
Akhulia also revealed that SportPesa has broader plans aimed at elevating Kenyan football, including an end-of-season gala that will bring together all 18 league teams to celebrate achievements.
After receiving his award, Ambani thanked SportPesa for their continued support, appreciated AFC Leopards players for their determination, and reaffirmed his ambition to win more awards while leading the club to a championship finish this season.
“I thank our league sponsors SportPesa for recognising the team’s efforts. I also appreciate my AFC Leopards players for their fight on the pitch, and my ambition is to win more awards while leading the club to finish the season as champions,” Ambani said.
By Ian Chepkuto
