Sports Journalists Association of Kenya's Coach of the Month winner named
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 12.02.26. | 15:53
The tactician narrowly beat Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor and Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa to the award
Lakers Women’s Hockey Club coach Amena Sheldon Ulisi has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for January 2026.
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Ulisi guided the Lakers to a historic maiden Africa Cup for Club Champions title in Harare, Zimbabwe, defeating holders Ghana Revenue Authority 2-0 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Kisumu-based side recorded two wins and a single loss during the week-long tournament.
It was a sweet triumph for the Kenyan ladies, who travelled nearly 3,000 km by road to Southern Africa and bounced back from an opening match defeat to GRA to claim glory in the final.
Ulisi narrowly beat Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor and Kabras Sugar head coach Carlos Katywa for the award.
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Akonnor led K’Ogalo to five wins and a draw in January, ensuring they top the FKF Premier League by four points.
South African tactician Katywa also had a memorable month after guiding the reigning Kenya Cup champions to an unbeaten run, recording four wins and staying on course to finish top ahead of the playoffs.
SJAK President James Waindi acknowledged the persistence and dedication that enabled the Lakers to claim continental honours. “This was your third appearance at the annual continental championship, and finally, you have emerged victorious.
It is a great show of persistence and hard work, and as SJAK, we are very proud of your achievement,” he said.
Other nominees for the monthly accolade included Patrick Ivuti, who led the Kenyan team to finish top at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, with nine medals.
Kenya’s top-ranked female tennis player Angela Okutoyi’s coach, Francis Thuku Rugoi, was also nominated after the US-based player rose to position 123 in the ITF singles rankings.
David Vijago of Kenya Police Bullets FC, and golf coaches Neil Mathews and David Mash were also in the running for the award.