Three coaches have been nominated for the October 2026 SportPesa League Coach of the Month award following impressive performances from their respective teams in the opening matches of the 2026/27 campaign.

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor, KCB tactician Robert Matano and Murang’a SEAL coach Dennis Odhiambo are the nominees for the October 2026 gong, with each having enjoyed different levels of success during the opening month of the 26/27 campaign.

Charles Akonnor – Gor Mahia

Akonnor stands out among the three nominees after guiding defending champions Gor Mahia to a perfect start, winning all four of their October league matches. The Ghanaian tactician oversaw an impressive run in which K’Ogalo scored seven goals, conceded just twice and kept three clean sheets.

Gor Mahia opened their title defence with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL at Nyayo National Stadium on October 13. Alpha Onyango, Jackson Dwang and Shariff Musa, who scored twice, were on target for the record champions, while Josphat Lopaga grabbed a brace for Murang’a.

Akonnor’s charges followed that result with a narrow 1-0 victory over APS Bomet on October 17, with Alpha Onyango scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute.

The champions maintained their winning momentum against Bandari FC on October 24, securing another 1-0 victory through a second-half strike from Onyango.

Their impressive run continued on October 28 when they travelled to Bukhungu Stadium and edged Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0. David Okoth scored the decisive goal to hand Gor their fourth consecutive victory and complete a perfect October.

Robert Matano – KCB FC

Robert Matano is also in contention after guiding KCB to two victories, one draw and one defeat in their four October outings, translating to a 50 per cent win rate.

The Bankers started the campaign with a 2-2 draw against Nairobi United on October 11, with Paul Kinyanjui and Geoffrey Ojunga finding the net for Matano’s men.

They bounced back on October 17 with a 1-0 victory over Mathare United, courtesy of a late goal from Assis Mambote.

However, KCB suffered their first defeat of the campaign on October 23, losing 1-0 to Posta Rangers after Mohammed Shaban scored a stoppage-time winner.

Matano’s charges returned to winning ways on October 28, producing a comeback performance to beat newly promoted Mombasa United 3-1 at Police Sacco Stadium. Rashid Moyo gave the visitors an early lead before Mambote restored parity. Fortune Omotto then scored twice, including a stoppage-time effort, to complete the comeback.

Across the four matches, KCB scored six goals, conceded four and kept one clean sheet, making Matano a strong contender for the monthly recognition.

Dennis Odhiambo – Murang’a SEAL

Dennis Odhiambo completes the shortlist after overseeing an entertaining but inconsistent October with Murang’a SEAL. The coach guided his side to two victories and suffered two defeats, also recording a 50 per cent win rate.

Murang’a opened their campaign with a 4-2 defeat against Gor Mahia on October 13, with new signing Josphat Lopaga scoring both goals for SEAL.

They responded in style on October 18, thrashing Posta Rangers 5-1 at the SportPesa Arena. Majaliwa Charo and Lopaga each scored twice, while Michael Macharia added another goal in an impressive attacking display.

However, Odhiambo’s men were brought back down to earth on October 25 when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against newly promoted 3K FC in the Mlima Derby. Glen Kariuki and Oscar Juma scored for 3K FC, while Michael Owen pulled one back for Murang’a.

SEAL finished their October fixtures with a 3-2 victory over Nairobi United on October 28. Lopaga scored twice, with Charo adding another as Murang’a held on for maximum points despite goals from Nairobi United’s Benson Omalla and Michael Karamor.

Odhiambo’s side scored 11 goals and conceded nine across the four matches but failed to register a single clean sheet.

The winner of the October award will receive a customised trophy alongside a cash prize of KSh 75,000 courtesy of leading gaming firm SportPesa, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their team’s performance during the month.

With all three coaches having demonstrated different strengths during the opening month, the race for the first SportPesa League Coach of the Month award of the 2026/27 season promises to be an interesting one.