Gor Mahia right-back Paul Ochuoga has been named the SportPesa League Player of the Month for January 2026, edging out stiff competition from his own teammate and midfield dynamo Enock Morrison, AFC Leopards’ versatile Kaycie Odhiambo, and Mara Sugar left-back Jimmy Owili.
The 21-year-old Ochuoga played a pivotal role in Gor Mahia’s impressive January run, featuring in all six matches, contributing to five wins and a single draw, and helping the record SportPesa League champions open a four-point lead at the top of the table.
His standout performances earned him two Man of the Match awards; first in a 3-2 comeback victory over Murang’a SEAL where he also registered an assist and later in a 2-1 triumph against Bidco United, where he got on the scoresheet himself.
Paul Ochuoga crowned January 2026 SportPesa League Player of the Month
6 matches played, 4 goal contributions (1 goal+3 assists), 28 cross attempts, 8 interceptions and 3 cleansheets.
Ochuoga’s win is part of a growing tradition for the SportPesa League Player of the Month award, introduced in October 2025.
The accolade rewards players who deliver eye-catching performances throughout the month, and like previous winners, Ochuoga walks away with Ksh 50,000 and a customized trophy courtesy of leading gaming firm SportPesa.
The January shortlist included four players who impressed across the league.
Joining Ochuoga in the nominations was Morrison whose industrious displays in Gor Mahia’s engine room saw him feature in all six games and earn two Man of the Match awards, including a performance in a 3-0 win over Sofapaka where he registered an assist.
AFC Leopards’ Kaycie Odhiambo also made the cut. Deployed in defense recently, Odhiambo was integral to Ingwe’s title chase, making five appearances and helping the team secure four consecutive wins.
His standout moment came in a 1-0 win over Sofapaka, where he scored the lone goal, ending a long wait for victory against the side.
Completing the list was Mara Sugar’s Jimmy Owili, a dependable left-back who can also be deployed in the central defense.
Owili shone despite his side failing to secure a single win in January.He featured in all five of Mara Sugar’s matches and played a starring role in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium, providing an assist and a decisive cross that led to an own goal.
Since its inception, the award has highlighted a variety of performers: Gor Mahia’s Musa Sharif was the first winner in October, Ulinzi Stars’ Paul Odhiambo claimed November, and Murang’a SEAL captain Joseph Irungu took December.
Ochuoga now joins this elite list, marking a memorable start to 2026 for the dependable right-back.
25/26 SportPesa League Player of the Month recipients
October 2025 – Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia)
November 2025 – Paul Okoth (Ulinzi Stars)
December 2025 – Joe Waithira (Murang’a Seal)
January 2026 – Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia)