John Shivisi Celebrated by SJAK as February's Top Coach After Kisumu Youngsters' Title Run

John Shivisi, the head coach of Kisumu Youngsters Hockey Club, has been crowned the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for February, following an exceptional and historic campaign in the Senior Hockey Super League.

John Shivisi’s leadership steered Kisumu Youngsters to an impressive run that culminated in winning the Senior Hockey Super League title and securing promotion to the Kenya Hockey Premier League for the 2026/27 season.

Under Shivisi’s guidance, Kisumu Youngsters enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 season, losing only once, a narrow 2–0 defeat to Greensharks away from home.

The team’s consistency, tactical discipline, and spirited performances made them clear champions of the league, earning them a historic promotion and cementing their place among Kenya’s elite hockey clubs.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Shivisi expressed his delight, saying that he had never imagined their performance was being monitored for a national award.

He added that the recognition was a pleasant surprise for him and his team and reiterated their commitment to proving that they truly deserved the promotion.

Shivisi shared that the award is not only a personal recognition but also a validation of the team’s hard work and dedication. He emphasised that their success in the Senior Hockey Super League has set a foundation for future achievements in the Premier League.

The coach also acknowledged the role of his staff and players, noting that teamwork and shared vision were key to the club’s historic run.

“We are grateful to Betika and SJAK for such a fair and broad recognition initiative; it’s exactly what Kenya’s sports industry deserves,” he said.

John Shivisi edged out a competitive field in a tightly contested vote. Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor finished second after guiding his team to three key Kenyan Premier League wins in February, beating Mathare United (2-1), KCB (3-0), and APS Bomet (2-1).

Kevin Wambua claimed third place after leading the Kenya national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, to a bronze medal at the HSBC Sevens Series 2 tournament.

Other nominees included Neil Cheetham, coach of Njoroge Kibugu, who made history by becoming the only Kenyan golfer to advance to the weekend rounds at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open after a two-year drought of local players reaching this stage.

On her part, Betika Marketing Specialist, Marya Wachira, highlighted the significance of Shivisi’s achievement, noting that he is the first coach from a lower-tier league to win the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month award since its inception a year ago.

She emphasised that the award aims to ensure that outstanding achievements in all leagues, regardless of their stature, do not go unnoticed.

“Our goal has always been to highlight excellence wherever it exists. Shivisi’s journey from a lower-tier league to the top of our selection process proves why we cast such a wide net. His story reflects the passion and growth we aim to support across Kenya’s sporting landscape,” Wachira said.

SJAK President James Waindi also praised the initiative, adding that the lower leagues often do not receive the attention they deserve.

He explained that the award deliberately monitors performances across disciplines and league tiers to recognise the most outstanding coaches each month, and this month’s award to Shivisi is a perfect example of that commitment.