The bright lights of Glee Hotel shone a little brighter for the Star sports reporter Tony Mballa on Thursday night after he was named first runner-up in the Sports Journalism category at the 2025-26 SportPesa League Gala Awards.
The award, popularly known as the Golden Pen, recognised Mballa's outstanding contribution to Kenyan football coverage during a season filled with excitement, fierce competition and memorable moments.
The glamorous ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in Kenyan football who played a role in shaping the 2025-26 SportPesa Premier League season. They included players, coaches, club officials and journalists.
As the evening unfolded, winners in different categories stepped onto the stage to receive their honours. Among them was Mballa, whose recognition highlighted the important role journalists play in telling the stories behind the game.
Receiving the award, an emotional Mballa described the moment as one of the proudest of his career.
“To stand among the best in Kenyan sports journalism and be recognised at this level — this is a moment I will never forget," he said.
The recognition marked another important milestone in his growing career. Through detailed match reports, feature stories and insightful analysis, Mballa has become one of the familiar voices covering Kenyan football.
His work has earned praise for combining accurate reporting with engaging storytelling, bringing supporters closer to the emotions and personalities that make the game special.
The gala itself reflected the competitiveness of the season. Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison was named the league's Most Valuable Player and Midfielder of the Season, while coach Charles Akonnor took home the Coach of the Season award.
Murang'a Seal striker Joseph Waithira and Ulinzi Stars forward Paul Okoth shared the Golden Boot award after both finished the campaign with 19 goals.
Amid the celebrations for players and coaches, Mballa’s recognition served as a reminder that behind every match, every goal and every trophy lift are journalists working tirelessly to capture football’s most memorable moments.
"I am truly honoured to be named first runner-up. It is not just my achievement but a reflection of the hard work behind every story I have written throughout this season," he said.
Mballa also took time to thank the people who have supported his journey in sports journalism.
"I dedicate this recognition to every editor who has pushed me to be better, every colleague who has challenged my work and every reader who has believed in my stories," he said.
He paid special tribute to his editors for helping him grow professionally.
"Special thanks to my editors for their constant support, guidance and belief in my work even when the pressure was high," Mballa said.
Looking ahead, he said the award will inspire him in his future endeavours.
"I see this as fuel to keep going, to keep pushing harder and to keep telling the stories of our football with honesty and passion," he said.
Mballa said the honour also carries responsibility at a time when audiences are demanding faster, deeper and more engaging sports coverage.
"I accept this award with a
deep sense of responsibility. The game is growing, the audience is growing and
we as journalists must grow with it," he said.
As the curtain fell on a memorable night at Glee Hotel, the Golden Pen recognition stood as a shining moment in Mballa's career. A reward for years of dedication and a sign of even greater things to come for one of Kenya's emerging football storytellers.
