Kabras RFC coach Katywa eyes Sevens crown 

By , May 8, 2025

After guiding Kabras Sugar RFC to a historic double, winning both the Enterprise and Kenya Cup, head coach Carlos Katywa now has his sights set on conquering the National Sevens Circuit, a title that has long eluded the club. 

The South African tactician says his boys are burning with ambition and determined to complete a dream season with a sevens triumph. 

Speaking in Nairobi after being named April’s Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month, Katywa dedicated the award to the entire Kabras fraternity. 

“This award is for all the members who have been working round the clock to support our course. It’s 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 who has contributed to our performance and success,” he said. 

“Many times we have been forced to reschedule our training sessions, only training two days a week due to poor weather. To defy the odds and be named Coach of the Month is encouraging. I want to thank SJAK and Betika for recognising coaches, who are the engine behind a team’s performance,” added the South African. 

“We have won both the Enterprise and Kenya Cup, and the one elusive title is the Kenya Sevens. We are eager and willing to go all the way to ensure we win that Cup.” 

Katywa emerged top among four nominees to claim the prestigious accolade, which includes a cash prize of Sh100,000 and a customised trophy, courtesy of the continued partnership between SJAK and Betika in celebrating sporting excellence. 

He had an exceptional April, leading Kabras to defend both their titles. The millers showed resilience and precision, narrowly edging Menengai Oilers 27-26 in a thrilling Kenya Cup final on April 12, before sealing a dominant 32-12 win over the same side 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 key league wins over AFC Leopards and Bandari, and a convincing FKF Cup victory over Shabana FC. His only blemish was a goalless draw against Sofapaka. 

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, amassing 56 points and securing a coveted place in the final promotion playoffs set for Los Angeles, USA. 

Betika Marketing Manager Japheth Akhulia stated: “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. We hope this award will not only whip up the enthusiasm of tacticians across the country but also raise the bar for Kenyan sports teams.” 

SJAK President James Waindi added, “We are happy to be rewarding the most outstanding coach for the month once again, thanks to our partners Betika.  

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