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Shariff and other turnaround kings who revived careers, rediscovered form in 25/26 FKFPL season
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Reading Time: 7min | Tue. 02.06.26. | 13:16
Before the start of the season, they did not appear to be the most influential players for their clubs, but their hard work and dedication saw them become the most consequential players not only for their teams, but in the league as a whole
A football season is often defined by trophies, title races and moments of glory.
Yet some of the most compelling narratives are found away from the spotlight, in the rise of players who were barely noticed a year ago but have somehow forced their way into the conversation.
The 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season delivered exactly that kind of transformation.
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Across the country, players once criticised for inconsistency, limited influence or a lack of end product have completely rewritten their stories with consistent, high-impact performances week after week.
Some have risen from squad players to undisputed leaders.
Others have gone from forgotten names to reliable match-winners.
A few have finally grown into the players many always believed they could become.
This is not a traditional team of the season dominated by established stars.
It is a celebration of growth, resilience and reinvention.
The Most Improved XI highlights footballers whose development reflects the unpredictable, competitive and ever-evolving nature of Kenyan football.
In a league where form can shift within weeks, these players found another level entirely.
They became more decisive in key moments, more composed under pressure and more influential in shaping results.
Through goals, defensive leadership, creativity and consistency, they evolved from supporting figures into central pillars of their clubs’ ambitions.
Some revived careers that were drifting. Others stepped out of the shadow of expectation and finally delivered on their promise.
Together, they represent one of the defining themes of the season: improvement earned through persistence, discipline and belief.
This XI is therefore more than a collection of standout performers. It is a story of redemption, evolution and breakthrough.
These are the players who made the biggest leap this season and, in doing so, changed not only their campaigns but, in some cases, the entire trajectory of their careers.
Steve Ochieng (Shabana FC)
What a turnaround this has been. Ochieng, a former Mathare United and Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper, did not even start the season as Shabana’s first choice, as Maxwell Mulili was ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, he fought his way into the starting role and never looked back, ultimately becoming one of the standout goalkeepers of the season.
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He went on to win the 'Golden Glove' with 16 clean sheets to his name.
The journey was not without challenges, including a difficult moment in January when a costly error in a 3-3 draw against APS Bomet drew strong criticism from fans.
But he responded with character, consistency and resilience to finish the campaign at the very top of his position.
From backup goalkeeper last season to 'Golden Glove' winner this season, Ochieng’s rise has been one of the clearest improvement stories in the league, and it is no surprise he already has several offers on the table.
Frank Mandela (APS Bomet)
Mandela’s story is one of resilience and reinvention.
He joined APS Bomet in January after spending half the season without a club following his release from Shabana, where he had featured in fewer than five matches last season.
A lingering knee injury had also delayed his return to competitive football.
After trials in January, he earned a move to APS Bomet and has not looked back since.
Although naturally a centre-back, he excelled at left-back, becoming a key part of a defensive line that has produced a strong run of clean sheets in the closing stages of the season.
Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia)
Onyona has grown from a promising youngster into Gor Mahia’s first-choice left-back.
His development has been so impressive that he has displaced Geoffrey Ochieng and Levin Odhiambo in the squad hierarchy, while Mohammed Siraj was sent out on loan to KCB FC.
His consistency earned him a national team call-up under coach Benni McCarthy.
He made his debut on 18 November 2025 in an international friendly against Senegal in Turkey, a match that ended in an 8-0 defeat, a tough experience but an important milestone in his development.
Even so, Onyona remains one of the clearest examples of a player who has stepped up significantly this season.
Wycliffe Omondi (Shabana FC)
Omondi enjoyed his best-ever season at Shabana and played a key role in their defensive stability, which also contributed to goalkeeper Steve Ochieng’s 'Golden Glove' success.
Last season, however, it was a difficult campaign as he suffered relegation with Nairobi City Stars on the final day.
His response has been impressive, becoming a core figure in a Shabana defence that has conceded 31 goals all season.
In addition to his defensive work, he has scored five league goals, making him the top-scoring defender in the FKF Premier League this season.
Emmanuel Lwangu (AFC Leopards)
Lwangu has made a major leap this season.
From fourth-choice centre-back last campaign to a regular starter for AFC Leopards, he has grown into a reliable presence alongside Kayci Odhiambo.
Leopards have also benefited defensively, conceding just 24 goals, one of the best records in the league.
Lwangu’s tackling, physical presence and consistency have made him a trusted option for the Ingwe backline.
He has also added two league goals this season, underlining his growing influence and marking him as one of the most promising young centre-backs in the country.
Geoffrey Ojung'a (Bandari FC)
It has been a difficult season for Bandari, but Ojung'a has been a standout performer in midfield.
His work rate, tackling ability and industry have been central to the team’s performances.
He has also added a new dimension to his game by contributing goals, scoring six times to finish as Bandari’s top-scoring midfielder.
This is his highest career tally in a single season.
His contributions have also helped Bandari maintain one of the better defensive records in the league, conceding just 25 goals, highlighting his importance both defensively and offensively.
Tyson Otieno (AFC Leopards)
Otieno was one of the key reasons AFC Leopards remain in the title race.
While he has recorded three goals and four assists, his overall influence in midfield goes far beyond statistics.
He has been the heartbeat of Leopards’ attacking play, dictating tempo and linking phases of attack with intelligence and consistency.
This is a sharp contrast to last season at Kenya Police, where he was largely a fringe player, making only limited contributions.
His transformation has made him one of the standout midfielders of the campaign and a clear example of redemption.
Oliver Majaka (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Majaka has developed into one of the most dangerous attackers in the league.
The Kenya U20 forward scored 11 league goals this season, a major improvement from just three last campaign.
Previously deployed mainly on the wing or behind the striker, he has now been converted into a central attacking option, and the decision has paid off handsomely.
Despite some inconsistent spells for the team, Majaka has grown into one of the most sought-after players in the league and is expected to attract major transfer interest.
Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks)
Aroko has been one of the brightest sparks in an otherwise difficult season for Kariobangi Sharks.
The Kenya U20 midfielder scored 12 goals in the season, a significant jump from two in the last campaign, and has also registered four assists.
Joe Waithira (Murang’a Seal)
Waithira has enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring 18 league goals compared to six last season, making him the 'Golden Boot' winner.
His improvement in movement, finishing and consistency made him one of the most feared strikers in the league.
Murang’a Seal will likely struggle to retain him amid growing interest from bigger clubs.
Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia)
Musa has been one of the key contributors in Gor Mahia’s successful hunt for a record-extending 22nd FKF Premier League title.
He has registered six goals and eight assists this season.
While his goal tally has only slightly improved from five last season, his biggest development has come in his overall game, especially his work rate and influence from the left flank.
His constant energy from the first minute to the last has made him difficult for opponents to contain, and he is already being linked with a move to Tanzania, a reflection of his strong performances this campaign.