Gor Mahia's Shariff Musa (R) in action against Police/GORMAHIAGor Mahia winger Shariff Musa capped a brilliant run of form by winning the SportPesa League Player of the Month award at Kasarani Annex on Friday.
The 24-year-old beat AFC Leopards fullback Vincent Mahiga and teammates Enock Morrison and Michael Kibwage to the prize, earning a trophy and Sh50,000.
“It hit me proper when they selected me for the award,” Musa said. “You graft every day, but you don’t plan for this stuff. It was a shock — a good one!”
His October form made the decision straightforward. Musa scored against Mathare United, set up a sharp assist against Posta Rangers and helped drive Gor Mahia to wins over KCB, Posta and Mathare.
“I’ve been putting in extra shifts,” he said. “More finishing, more running, more everything. Some nights I was shattered, but I stayed on that pitch. That’s what got me here.”
He said the recognition meant more than the money. “You don’t forget mornings like this. When people show up to clap for you, it’s special. Simple.”
Coach Charles Akonnor, who has overseen his steady rise, was also honoured after guiding Gor Mahia to a perfect October.
“Shariff has shown massive improvement,” the Ghanaian said. “He’s focused, he listens, he works. There’s no secret. He’s earned every bit of this,” he said.
Akonnor picked up the Coach of the Month award moments later.
“It was a proud moment,” he said. “But honestly, it belongs to the players. They’re the ones doing the running, the tackling, the finishing. I just try to keep them focused.”
The former Wolfsburg captain added, “October was about discipline and consistency. The team stuck to the plan, and that’s why we’re being recognised. Awards like this are a nice pat on the back, but the job isn’t done yet.”
For Musa, sharing the spotlight with his coach summed up Gor Mahia’s current momentum. “When your coach gets one too... That’s special,” he said. “It shows the whole setup is working. It pushes everyone to do better.”
His resurgence earned him a recall to the Harambee Stars squad for November friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal — his first call-up since 2023.
“That call meant everything,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for another chance. Now I want to prove I deserve to stay there.”
Musa says the award is fuel, not a finish line. “This is just a start,” he said. “The trophy’s nice, the cash is sweet, but I want goals, assists, wins — the real stuff.”
And the method remains simple: “Sacrifice. Loads of it. That’s the truth behind this trophy.”
