Born in Peponia, Serres, Katsavakis began playing football as a defender for local Alpha Ethniki side Panserraikos F.C.
He joined Alpha Ethniki rivals Olympiacos F.C.
[2] After he retired from playing, Katsavakis became a football coach.
He managed several Greek clubs over the following years, including Veria F.C., PAS Giannina F.C., Panionios F.C., Paniliakos F.C., Olympiakos Volos F.C., Panserraikos F.C., Aris Thessaloniki F.C., Levadiakos F.C., Apollon Kalamarias F.C., Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C.
He also managed Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.