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Kabras Sugar coach Katywa eyes sevens glory after winning SJAK award
Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Katywa celebrates with his trophy and cheque after he was named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)/Betika Coach of the Month for April at Nyayo National Stadium on May 7, 2025.
What you need to know:
- SJAK President James Waindi also praised the achievement.
- “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.
Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Katywa has set his sights on clinching the elusive National Sevens Circuit title, following his recognition as the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)/Betika Coach of the Month for April.
Speaking during the award ceremony held on Wednesday at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium, the South African tactician expressed his gratitude while reaffirming his team’s ambition to complete their trophy cabinet with the sevens title.
“This award is really humbling and it just goes to show the hard work everyone has put in. The award is not for me but for every individual back in Kakamega that has contributed to our performance and success," Katywa said.
"Many at times we have been forced to reschedule our training sessions, only training two days in a week due to poor weather and to defy odds and be named the Coach of Month is encouraging. I want to thank SJAK and Betika for awarding coaches who are the engine behind team’s performance,” he added.
“We have won both the Enterprise and Kenya Cup and the one elusive title is the sevens crown, and we are eager and willing to go all the way to ensure we win the Cup,” he said.
Katywa emerged top among four nominees to earn the prestigious accolade, which includes a cash prize of Sh100,000 and a customized trophy, courtesy of the ongoing partnership between SJAK and Betika in promoting sporting excellence.
The month of April was remarkable for Katywa, who led the Kakamega-based side to a historic double—defending both the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup titles.
Kabras Sugar RFC narrowly edged out Menengai Oilers 27-26 in a thrilling Kenya Cup final on April 12 before registering a dominant 32-12 victory over the same opponents in the Enterprise Cup final on April 26.
Kakamega Homeboyz FC head coach Francis Baraza finished a close second in the voting, after guiding his team to important league wins over AFC Leopards and Bandari, and progressing in the FKF Cup with a solid victory against Shabana FC. His side’s only blemish in April was a goalless draw with Sofapaka.
Third place was shared between national women's rugby sevens head coach Dennis Mwanja and Shabana FC’s Peter Okidi. Mwanja made history by leading the Kenya Lionesses to their first-ever overall title in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, accumulating 56 points and booking a place in the promotion playoffs in Los Angeles, USA.
Betika Marketing Manager Japheth Akhulia lauded Katywas coaching exploits.
“Carlos Katywa’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 also praised the achievement.
“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.”
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche was crowned the March winner.