By KPC Sports Reporter
John Shivisi, head coach of Kisumu Youngsters Hockey Club, has been named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for February.
Shivisi was named after guiding his team to a historic campaign in the Senior Hockey Super League.
Shivisi steered the Kisumu-based side to the league title, securing promotion to the Kenya Hockey Premier League for the 2026/27 season following an impressive run throughout the competition.
During the season, Kisumu Youngsters lost only once — a 2–0 away defeat to Greensharks Hockey Club — as they maintained strong form to clinch the championship.
In the monthly awards voting, Shivisi narrowly beat Charles Akonnor, the coach of Gor Mahia FC, who finished second after guiding the club to three important wins in the Kenyan Premier League in February against Mathare United FC (2–1), KCB FC (3–0) and APS Bomet FC (2–1).
Third place went to Kevin Wambua, popularly known as “Bling,” for guiding the Kenya national rugby sevens team to a bronze medal finish at the HSBC Sevens Series Series 2 tournament.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Betika Marketing Specialist Marya Wachira congratulated Kisumu Youngsters for their promotion, noting that Shivisi is the first recipient of the Betika/SJAK award from a lower-tier league since the awards were launched a year ago.
“Our goal has always been to ensure that no great achievement goes unnoticed, regardless of the league’s stature,” Wachira said.
“Shivisi’s journey embodies the spirit of growth we aim to support across the sporting landscape.”
James Waindi, president of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), said the award recognizes excellence across all sporting disciplines and league levels.
“The lower leagues in many sports disciplines are not usually given the attention they deserve. This award shows our commitment to recognizing outstanding performances wherever they occur,” he said.
Reacting to the recognition, Shivisi expressed surprise and gratitude, saying he had not anticipated the team’s performance would attract national attention.
“I never imagined that our performance was being monitored for consideration for any award,” he said.
“It is a pleasant surprise for me and the team, and we are determined to prove we deserve our place in the top league.”