Jack Ochieng’ has been named the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for March 2023.Ochieng guided the Nairobi Water Queens to yet another Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women’s league title with zeal and vigor.##NAJAVA_MECA_7284409##The Ochieng-led Water Queens achieved the feat after they gunned down rivals Ulinzi Shark’s 28-25 win in a highly charged match on Saturday, March 25.To lay his hands on the coveted award, Ochieng’ beat two other nominees, including Carlos Kaytwa, who led the Kabras Sugar rugby team to the Kenya Cup title, and National Cereals and Produce Board (NPBC) coach Brian Mathews.In winning the award, Ochieng’ took home prize money of Ksh. 100,000, a personalized trophy, and a 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 team in November, the 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’s coach Zachary Aura in February.An elated Ochieng’ remarked during the presentation of the award: “It’s such a good feeling to emerge as the finest coach for the month of March. I dedicate the award to the ladies who fought bravely to rise to the occasion. The award goes to attest to our resilience and level-headedness in play.”The Coach went on: “We did not anticipate such resilience from Ulinzi. But I am elated that the experience paid off at the eleventh hour, and teamwork made the difference in this match. When we were chasing their score, we made changes to our defense, and that helped us to prevail.”Congratulations to Nairobi water Queens pic.twitter.com/25XpK4iHxO— kenya Handball Federation (@handball_kenya) January 22, 2023 SJAK president James Waindi urged coaches to raise the bar higher, as their efforts are appreciated and contribute to an overall improved performance by the national team.”We are thankful to StarTimes for partnering with us since we started awarding sports personalities and coaches. We have come a long way in this journey, and it is my happiness to see them remain one of our key partners,” Waindi noted.Matano lauds “fine wine” Mieno
