Lakers Hockey Coach Amena Sheldon Ulisi Named January's Best by SJAK

Amena Sheldon Ulisi, the head coach of the Lakers Women’s Hockey Club, has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for January 2026. The award ceremony took place on February 12 at Nyayo National Stadium.

Ulisi earned the prestigious honour after leading the Lakers to a historic first-ever Africa Cup for Club Champions title in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Kisumu-based team secured the championship by defeating the defending champions, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), 2-0 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final ended in a 1-1 draw.

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The victory was particularly sweet for the Kenyan side, who had endured a gruelling 3,000-kilometre road trip to Zimbabwe. After losing their opening match to GRA, they fought back to win two subsequent games and ultimately avenged their initial defeat in the final.

In a competitive field, Ulisi was chosen over several other top coaches. Among the contenders were Gor Mahia's Charles Akonnor, who guided his team to five wins and a draw in January to solidify their lead in the Kenya Premier League, and Kabras Sugar's Carlos Katywa, who maintained his team's undefeated streak in the Kenya Cup with four victories.

SJAK President James Waindi praised the team's resilience and determination. "This was your third appearance at the annual continental championship, and you finally emerged victorious," Waindi remarked. "It is a great show of persistence and hard work, and as SJAK, we are very proud of your achievement."

Other notable nominees for the January award included: Patrick Ivuti, who coached the Kenyan team to the top of the medal table at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.

Francis Thuku Rugoi, coach of top-ranked Kenyan tennis player Angela Okutoyi, who climbed to 123rd in the ITF singles rankings. Dennis Mwanja (KCB RFC), David Vijago (Kenya Police Bullets FC), and golf coaches Neil Mathews and David Mash.