Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Kyatwa has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)/Betika Coach of the Month for April.
Kyatwa emerged top among four nominees to claim the prestigious accolade, which includes a cash prize of KSH 100,000 and a customized trophy—courtesy of the continued partnership between SJAK and Betika in celebrating sporting excellence.
Kyatwa, a South African tactician, had an exceptional April, leading the Kakamega-based side to a double. Kyatwa steered Kabras Sugar RFC to a remarkable double, successfully defending both the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup titles. The millers showcased resilience and precision, narrowly edging out Menengai Oilers 27-26 in a thrilling Kenya Cup final on April 12, before delivering a commanding 32-12 victory over the same rivals in the Enterprise Cup final on April 26.
Kakamega Homeboyz FC head coach Francis Baraza finished a close second in the Coach of the Month voting, thanks to a strong showing in April that saw him lead his team to crucial league wins over AFC Leopards and Bandari, while also securing a spot in the next round of the FKF Cup with a convincing victory against Shabana FC. His only setback during the month was a hard-fought goalless draw against Sofapaka in league action.
Third place resulted in a tie between Kenya Women’s Sevens head coach Dennis Mwanja and Shabana FC’s Peter Okidi. Mwanja made history by guiding the Lionesses to their first-ever overall title in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, finishing the tournament with an impressive 56 points. The landmark victory also secured Kenya a coveted spot in the final promotion playoffs, set to take place in Los Angeles, USA.
Meanwhile, Peter Okidi’s Shabana FC enjoyed a strong run in the league during April, notching crucial wins against Bandari FC, FC Talanta, and Nairobi City Stars. However, their momentum in the FKF Cup was halted by a defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz FC, bringing their cup journey to an end.
Betika Marketing Manager Japheth Akhulia said, “Carlos Kyatwa’s outstanding leadership and Kabras Sugar RFC’s historic double are a testament to the power of discipline, strategy, and teamwork. At Betika, we are proud to celebrate such excellence through our continued partnership with SJAK, as we honour those who inspire greatness in Kenyan sport, We hope this award will not only whip up the enthusiasm of tacticians countrywide but also raise the bar for Kenyan sports teams, by and large.”
SJAK President James Waindi said: “We are happy to be rewarding the most outstanding coach for the month once again, thanks to our partners Betika, who have made it possible. They demonstrated their support for sports in the country, both on and off the pitch. We share an ambition of creating opportunities at all levels and ensuring everyone is welcome to enjoy the game. Congratulations to Coach Kyatwa for winning in April.”
Last month, Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche was crowned the March coach of the month. The award comes with a cash prize of Ksh100,000 and a trophy. The SJAK/Betika Coach of the Month Award continues to highlight the critical role coaches play in shaping the success of teams and nurturing talent, with Kyatwa’s triumph in April standing out as a prime example of technical mastery and motivational leadership