Changawa wins SJAK award

Tennis star Ismael Changawa is the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)’s Sports Personality of the Month Award winner for November.

The US-based player won the StarTimes-sponsored award following his exploits in tournaments in Rwanda and Malawi last month.

The 21-year-old emerged the Rwanda Open champion after beating perennial rival Duncan Mugabe of Uganda 6-1 6-2 in the final.

Changawa proceeded to win Malawi Open a week later. He beat Zambia’s Edgar Kazembe 6-2, 7-5 in the final to lift the trophy without dropping a set.

In addition, Changawa won the men’s double in Malawi after he partnered with country mate, Ibrahim Kibet to beat Zambian duo of Kazembe and Liberty Ndula.

Changawa faced stiff opposition from New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor and Kenya’s top Chess player, Steve Ouma, of Equity Bank on his way to winning the coveted award.

Another worthy contender for the award was Ken Moseti who scored the winning drop goal for Kenya Commercial Bank against Homeboyz in the semi-finals of the Impala Floodlit tournament and played a pivotal role in the final against Impala.

Changawa was presented with the award yesterday at Karen Country Club in Nairobi where he sailed into the semis of Karen Open and was poised to tackle Kibet for a berth in the final later in the day.

“This is beyond my imagination; at no point did I ever think of one day being awarded as the best sports personality of the month in Kenya,” said Changawa.

On top of the award, Changawa was presented with a trophy, a StarTimes 42-inch digital television set and Sh100, 000. He now becomes the fifth player to receive the honour.

“Changawa deserves this special recognition, victories away in Rwanda and Malawi are exploits that are worth celebrating,” StarTimes Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Japheth Akhulia, noted.

“I am excited that this far SJAK has awarded four sport disciplines,” he said.