Sofapaka boss Elly Kalekwa today rewarded John Baraza for the team’s recent winning run by confirming him as the head coach, two months after he took the reigns from Ugandan tactician Sam Ssimbwa.
Kalekwa refuted claims appearing on a section of the media that tactician Mike Muiruri was on his way to the 2009 champions’ technical bench after he left Kakamega Homeboyz on Monday. “I just read on social media that Muiruri is linked to a move to Sofapaka. I don’t know Muiruri and have never even talked to him, those are just the normal rumours to stir conversations in football platforms,” Kalekwa said.
He said he had settled on Baraza after the former lethal striker turned tactician had turned around the team to see them leap to third position in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings.“Baraza has been my player, I took him for coaching classes and the team is now doing very well under him. Why should I change a winning side? I have more than 100 resumes from foreign coaches looking for a chance to coach Sofapaka, but Baraza is my man,” Kalekwa said.
Since he took over the job in March, Baraza has won three matches, drawn three and lost one. He has steered the side to wins over Ulinzi Stars, Vihiga United and Zoo Kericho, drew against champions Gor Mahia, Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar and lost to Wazito.