Nairobi, Kenya, March 25, 2026 – The 2018 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks wonderkid Humphrey Aroko has been named the SportPesa League Player of the Month for February, after a string of standout performances helped lift his team out of the relegation zone.
The 18-year-old has been Sharks’ best player in a season they have found themselves struggling in the lower half of the table. In February, he took his game a notch higher, nudging his young shoulders above more experienced competitors to emerge the league’s best to take the award which comes with a customized trophy and Kes. 50,00 cash reward.
He played a starring role in Kariobangi Sharks’ unbeaten February run, directly contributing to all four goals scored by the team with two goals and two assists. His opener gave Sharks a hard-fought 1-1 draw at KCB before he set up Luke Otiala for their equalizer in the Slum Derby against Mathare United.
He then scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars, followed by an assist in another scrappy 1-0 win at APS Bomet, the latter seeing him hit double figures in combined goals and assists for the season.
“I’m very happy and grateful to receive this award. It means a lot for me personally, especially at this stage of my career. But as a team we know we can still do much better,” said the Kenya U-20 international.
“We are not yet where we want to be in the league. I’ll be even happier when we move further up the table because that is what really matters. There is still a lot of room for improvement for me individually and for the team.”
His individual performances during the month included three Man of the Match awards in four matches and two Team of the Week appearances, highlighting his growing influence despite his young age.
The former Highway Secondary School student edged out Gor Mahia’s Enock Morrison, who also enjoyed a strong February after scoring two goals and collecting two Man of the Match awards in three appearances. However, Aroko’s additional match played and direct involvement in every Sharks goal ultimately gave him the advantage.
Commenting on the award, SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia, commended the growing influence of young players in the league.
“For the second month running, a young player who is still trying to find their feet in the league has carried the best player award,” he commented, referring to last month’s award which was won by 21-year-old Gor Mahia fullback Paul Ochuoga.
“Young talents like Aroko and Ochuoga are showing great potential and playing an important role in ensuring the league is competitive at this stage but also giving hope to many young lads who are dreaming out there to one day make it in the SportPesa League. We couldn’t be happier with the growth we are witnessing,” he added.
The SportPesa Player and Coach of the Month awards recognize monthly exceptional performances that significantly influence team results.
The awards are informed by detailed match data and performance metrics compiled by Tisini, ensuring transparency and objectivity in the selection process.
