Murang’a SEAL captain Joe Waithira was officially crowned the FKF Premier League Player of the Month for December 2025 on Wednesday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In a move that has resonated deeply with the Kenyan football fraternity, Waithira dedicated his award to Mzee Kiangani, a lifelong supporter of Murang’a SEAL who passed away in August 2025 at the age of 71.
For fans watching the 2025/26 SportPesa League season, the change in Waithira’s jersey was hard to miss.
The forward, who previously wore number 41, switched to number 71 at the start of the season to honor the age at which Mzee Kiangani departed.
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Waithira dedicates SportPesa League Player of the Month award to fallen fan
“I would love to dedicate this award to one of our fans, Mzee wa Kiangage, who passed on at the age of 71,” Waithira told SportPesa Blog during the award presentation.
“That’s why I switched my jersey number to 71 from 41 in honor of the Murang’a SEAL fan. I hope wherever he is, he is happy,” he said.
Earlier just before the season kicked off, Waithira made a public pledge to carry the fan’s legacy onto the pitch.
“Today, I pause to honor a loyal fan who was with us through every moment, in victory and in defeat. Your unwavering support will never be forgotten. In your memory, I will proudly wear your number 71 on my jersey so that your spirit and legacy continue to live on with every game we play as SEAL,” he posted on social media.
The award comes on the back of a stellar December where Waithira was nearly unstoppable as he netted four goals in just three league matches.
The skipper, who received Ksh 50,000 and a Trophy from leading gaming firm SportPesa, was visibly elated after being crowned the winner after the Gor Mahia match.
“It feels nice to win the award, every player wishes to get such an opportunity. With the effort we have managed to put in, I feel happy and thank God that we managed to win this,” he noted.
After scoring again on Wednesday against Gor Mahia, he has now taken his season tally to 8 league goals, placing him firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot just a goal shy of Paul Okoth.
