Five outstanding youngsters have been shortlisted for the 2025/26 SportPesa League Young Player of the Season Award.
The nominees, all aged 21 or below at the start of the campaign, have enjoyed breakthrough seasons in Kenya’s top flight, producing consistent performances for their respective clubs in a highly competitive season that has seen several young talents announce themselves on the big stage.
From midfield maestros to clinical forwards and commanding defenders, the five nominees have each played key roles for their clubs this season.
Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards)
AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada has been one of the brightest sparks in Ingwe’s impressive league campaign. The youngster played a crucial role in helping AFC Leopards mount a serious title challenge before eventually falling behind arch rivals Gor Mahia.
The former Shanderema School star has featured in 33 league matches, scoring four goals while creating 22 chances. Madada has also registered 42 shot attempts and won possession 25 times in midfield, underlining his work rate and creativity in the middle of the park.
His energetic displays and composure on the ball have made him one of the most reliable young midfielders in the league this season. He has earned one Player of the Match award and has twice been included in the Team of the Week.
Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks)
Despite Kariobangi Sharks enduring a difficult season, midfielder Humphrey Aroko has remained one of the club’s shining lights.
The Highway Secondary School alumnus has delivered impressive performances in midfield, contributing nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances.
Aroko has also created 32 chances and recorded 87 shot attempts with a 43 percent accuracy rate, showcasing his attacking intent and influence in the final third.
The midfielder’s consistency saw him win the February Player of the Month award. He has additionally collected six Player of the Match awards, appeared eight times in the Team of the Week and featured three times in the Team of the Month.
With the level of performances displayed by the five nominees this season, the race for the Young Player of the Season award remains wide open.
Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Kakamega Homeboyz striker Oliver Machaka has stepped up impressively following the departure of last season’s top scorer Moses Shumah to Zambian champions Power Dynamos.
The St. Peter’s Mumias alumnus has carried the attacking responsibility well, scoring 10 league goals and providing two assists in 31 appearances. Machaka has also created 16 chances and registered 70 shot attempts with a 47 percent shooting accuracy.
His movement inside the box, sharp finishing and ability to lead the line have made him one of the standout young strikers this season. The forward has won two Player of the Match awards, appeared once in the Team of the Week, and also earned a place in the Team of the Month.
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Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United)
Few mid-season signings have had the impact Kevin Wangaya has made since joining Nairobi United during the transfer window.
After spending months away from competitive football, many questioned how quickly the midfielder would adapt. However, Wangaya settled in almost immediately and became a vital figure in Nairobi United’s midfield.
In just 16 matches, he has scored four goals and provided four assists while registering 40 shot attempts with an impressive 45 percent accuracy rate.
The midfielder’s creativity, composure in possession and attacking contributions saw him win the April Player of the Month award. He has also earned one Player of the Match accolade, appeared twice in the Team of the Week, received a Player of the Month nomination and featured three times in the Team of the Month.
Robinson Musungu (Mara Sugar FC)
Mara Sugar defender Robinson Musungu is the only defender among the nominees, a reflection of the outstanding season he has had at the heart of the club’s backline.
Having joined Mara Sugar from Vihiga United during last season’s transfer window, Musungu has now established himself as one of the most dependable young defenders in the league in just his debut season.
The center-back has featured in 33 matches, scoring once while producing remarkable defensive numbers that include 230 clearances, 84 interceptions, 46 blocks and 51 aerial duels won.
Musungu’s leadership at the back and ability to read the game have been instrumental in Mara Sugar’s defensive organization throughout the season. His performances have earned him one Player of the Month nomination, three Player of the Match awards, one Team of the Month appearance and two Team of the Week inclusions.
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