Kisumu Youngsters Hockey Club Head Coach, John Shivisi was all smiles on March 13, 2026, after being named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for February, following an outstanding and historic campaign in the Senior Hockey Super League.

Shivisi earned the recognition after guiding Kisumu Youngsters through a remarkable run that culminated in winning the Senior Hockey Super League title and securing promotion to the Kenya Hockey Premier League for the 2026-2027 season.

The achievement marked a major milestone for the club and highlighted the growing competitiveness of teams outside the traditional top tier.

In a closely contested selection process, Shivisi edged out Gor Mahia FC head coach Charles Akonnor, who finished second. Akonnor had impressed after leading Gor Mahia to three important Kenyan Premier League victories in February, defeating Mathare United 2-1, KCB 3-0, and APS Bomet 2-1.

Third place went to Kenya national rugby sevens coach Kevin "Bling" Wambua. Wambua was recognised for steering Shujaa to a bronze medal finish at the HSBC Sevens Series 2 tournament, a performance that restored confidence in the national side.

Speaking during the award presentation, Betika Marketing Specialist Marya Wachira congratulated Kisumu Youngsters for their promotion and praised Shivisi’s achievement. She noted that Shivisi had become the first recipient of the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month Award from a lower-tier competition since the initiative was launched twelve months ago.

“Our goal has always been to ensure that no great achievement goes unnoticed, regardless of the league's stature,” said Wachira.

“Seeing Shivisi emerge from a lower-tier tournament proves why we cast such a wide net in our selection process. His success reflects the passion and growth within the Senior Hockey Super League and across the sporting landscape.”

During the impressive 2025-2026 season, Kisumu Youngsters demonstrated remarkable consistency, suffering only one defeat, a 2-0 loss away to Greensharks, while maintaining a strong run that eventually secured the title.

Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President James Waindi emphasized that the award intentionally tracks performances across different sports and league levels to ensure deserving coaches are recognized.

Other nominees included coach Neil Cheetham, who guides Kenyan golfer Njoroge Kibugu. Kibugu made history by becoming the only Kenyan to make the cut at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, finishing tied for 61st place at six under par.

Receiving the award, Shivisi expressed surprise and gratitude. He said he had not imagined their performances were being monitored for such recognition and thanked Betika and SJAK for supporting fair and inclusive recognition in Kenyan sports.