Josephat Lopaga has vowed to keep improving after being named the SportPesa League Player of the Month for October 2026 following an impressive start to life at Murang’a Seal.
The 24-year-old striker scored six goals and provided one assist in four appearances to claim the first individual player award of the 2026/27 campaign.
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His performances also earned him two Man of the Match awards and two Team of the Week selections, underlining his importance to Murang’a Seal following the departure of last season’s Golden Boot winner and former captain Joseph Waithira.
Reacting to the recognition, Lopaga expressed gratitude but insisted that his focus remains on helping the team achieve its objectives.
“I am very grateful for this recognition. I want to keep working hard, scoring goals and contributing to the team. I believe if I remain focused and continue performing, more opportunities and recognition will come,” he said.
Lopaga’s rise has been shaped by a difficult journey from Baragoi in Samburu County, where he grew up in a community affected by cattle rustling and insecurity.
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He left home at the age of 12, moving through Maralal, Nyahururu and Nakuru before eventually settling in Nairobi, where he developed his love for football.
He joined Gor Mahia’s youth team in 2017 before making his top-flight debut with Mount Kenya United in 2019. Stints at Posta Rangers, AFC Leopards and clubs in Oman and Belarus followed before his return to Kenya in 2025.
Beyond his playing career, Lopaga has previously spoken of his ambition to establish a football academy in Baragoi to give young children opportunities similar to those football offered him.
He received KSh50,000 and a customised trophy for his October performances.
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