By DANIELLA APIYO
Lakers Women’s Hockey Club coach Amena Sheldon Ulisi has been named Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for January 2026.
Ulisi guided the Lakers to a historic maiden Africa Cup for Club Champions title in Harare, Zimbabwe, after defeating holders Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 2-0 on post-match penalties, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
The Kisumu-based side registered two wins and a loss during the week-long tournament. It was a sweet victory for the Kenyan ladies, who travelled almost 3,000 km by road to the Southern African nation and lost their opening match to GRA before exacting revenge in the final.
Betika Marketing Specialist Ms. Marya Wachira was all praises for the women’s hockey’s team as she acknowledged the feat that the team had achieved. “Hitting the road the way you did and still managing a place for the team’s maiden Africa Cup Club Champions title is one for the books. This milestone not only earns its place in history but also inspires continued investment in excellence across Kenyan sport,” noted Ms. Marya.
Ulisi pipped Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor and Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa to the award.
Akonnor had led K’Ogalo to five wins and a draw in January, ensuring they lead the SportPesa Premier League by four points.
South African Katywa also had a memorable January after guiding the Kenya Cup champions to remain unbeaten in this season’s competition. Kabras chalked up four wins to remain on course to finish top ahead of the playoffs.
SJAK President Mr. James Waindi equally acknowledged the persistence that the team has shown that enabled them to claim the continental honors.
“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 you for your achievement”.
Other nominees for the monthly accolade included Patrick Ivuti, who led the Kenyan team to once again finish top at the World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, with a total of nine medals.
Kenya’s top-ranked female tennis player Angela Okutoyi’s coach, Francis Thuku Rugoi, was also among the nominees after the US-based player rose to position 123 in the ITF singles rankings.
KCB RFC coach Andrew Amonde, David Vijago of Kenya Police Bullets FC, as well as golf coaches Neil Mathews and David Mash, were also in the running for the award.
