Sofapaka keen to break the duck, aim to scoop elusive league title
Sofapaka FC boss Elly Kalekwa believes that it is the club’s season to break the duck and win the league title, 11 years after they won it on their first attempt.
Batoto Ba Mungu have been very active in the transfer market during the off-season bringing in nine players with two foreigners in the mix.
Among the big names are ex-Gor Mahia midfield dynamo Lawrence Juma, centre back Michael Kibwage formerly of KCB and former Mathare United offensive player Roy Okal.
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Others incoming include former Wazito and Sony Sugar goalkeeper Kevin Omondi, Kariobangi Sharks defender Michael Bodo, Paul Kiongera formerly of Wazito and Gor Mahia, alongside foreigners Michael Karamor and Isaac Mitina.
At the same time, the 2009 league champions released a record 12 players. This was by far the largest chop at Sofapaka in as many years as the club seeks to launch a serious campaign as the majority were seen as surplus to requirements.
Players that left the club include Cercidy Okeyo who moved to Mathare United, Thomas Wainana to Kakamega Homeboyz and Emmanuel Pala to Posta Rangers.
Others are former captain George Maelo who retired from football, Ronald Okoth who also hung his boots, Brian Kayanja, youngster Wisdom Naya, Shawn Oloo, Tevin Omutere and Juma Sudi.
Kalekwa told of a new phase to prove their worth. The club that was position six when the season was interrupted due to COVID-19 in March according him had the right weaponry to challenge for honours.
“We have a good squad with some exciting buys and this makes me confident. We want to hunt for the title that has been elusive.
It is time to prove that we can do it and therefore have the right mentality going in. The target is naturally to finish top and therefore for every match we have to give the right performance.
I am particularly happy that we have strengthened our squad,” he said.
The technical bench that will have John Baraza and Mike Muiruri have the hidden pressure of delivering after years in the cold.
The pair know it will be difficult o launch a proper challenge without a good start and this is what they have been working on.
