By KPC Sports Correspondent
Lakers Women’s Hockey Club head coach Amena Sheldon Ulisi has been named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for January 2026.
This follows her side’s historic triumph at the Africa Cup for Club Champions in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Ulisi guided the Kisumu-based outfit to their maiden continental title after a dramatic final against defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The match ended 1-1 in normal time before the Kenyan champions prevailed 2-0 in post-match penalties to lift the trophy.
The title capped a remarkable campaign for the Lakers, who recorded two wins and one loss during the week-long tournament.
Their journey to glory was made even more impressive by the logistical challenge they faced, travelling nearly 3,000 kilometres by road to southern Africa.
After losing their opening match to GRA, the Lakers regrouped and went on to exact sweet revenge in the final.
Betika Marketing Specialist Marya Wachira hailed the team’s resilience and achievement, describing the victory as a landmark moment for Kenyan sport.
“Hitting the road the way you did and still managing to secure 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,” said Wachira.
Ulisi beat stiff competition for the January accolade, pipping Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor and Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa.
Akonnor enjoyed an impressive month after steering Gor Mahia to five wins and a draw, opening a four-point lead at the top of the SportPesa Premier League.
Meanwhile, South African tactician Katywa oversaw a flawless run by Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, who recorded four wins in January to remain unbeaten and on course for a top finish ahead of the playoffs.
Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President James Waindi also praised Ulisi and her team, noting their perseverance on the continental stage.
“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,” Waindi said.
Other nominees for the monthly award included Patrick Ivuti, who guided the Kenyan team to top the medal standings at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, with a haul of nine medals.
Also shortlisted were Francis Thuku Rugoi, coach to Kenya’s top-ranked female tennis player Angela Okutoyi, who rose to 123rd in the ITF singles rankings, as well as KCB RFC coach Dennis Mwanja, David Vijago of Kenya Police Bullets FC, and golf coaches Neil Mathews and David Mash.