Nairobi Water Queens' tactician Jack Ochieng’ is the StarTimes Coach of the Month for March 2023.
This is after Ochieng guided Nairobi Water Queens to yet another Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women’s league title.
Nairobi Water Queens achieved the feat after gunning down rivals Ulinzi Sharks 28-25 in a highly charged match on March 25.
To win the award, Ochieng’ beat Carlos Kaytwa who led the Kabras Sugar rugby team to the Kenya Cup title and National Cereals and Produce Board coach Brian Mathews.
The award came with prize money of Sh100,000, a personalised trophy, and a StarTimes 55-inch smart television set courtesy of sponsors StarTimes Kenya.
Ochieng’ becomes the fifth recipient of the coveted award after trailblazing Dennis Mwanja of the Kenya Lioness rugby in November, NCPB men’s handball team’s Brian Mathews in December, Strathmore women’s hockey team head coach Meshack Senge in January and Butali Warriors hockey coach Zachary Aura in February.
An elated Ochieng’ said: “It’s a good feeling to emerge as the best coach for the month. I dedicate the award to the ladies who fought bravely to rise to the occasion. The award goes to attest to our resilience in the game.”
StarTimes Kenya’s head of public relations and content syndication Myke Mwai noted that coaches are on many occasions the unsung heroes of sport “hence the noble initiative of acknowledge their input and guidance
“From our branding perspective and our obligations to the community, this award gives us a lot of fulfillment and we see positive impacts from sports which have over the years put the country on the world map,” he said.
Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) president James Waindi urged coaches to raise the bar higher as their efforts are appreciated and contribute to overall improved performance by the national team.