Congratulatory messages continue going the way of Sofapaka players after their incredulous feat of overcoming Bandari 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Mbaraki Sports ground last weekend.

Sofapaka Technical Director Martin Ndagano described Mombasa as one of the dreary hunting grounds in the country, adding that his team exceeded expectations by humbling the dockers before their own fans.

“Winning in Mombasa under the hot temperatures is not child’s play and I must commend Sofapaka players for holding on to their own to collect maximum points at the expense of Bandari,” remarked Ndagano.

He said it was encouraging to note that Sofapaka players recovered fast after Bandari had the first bite of the cherry in the match played under punishing temperatures.

“We knew it was not going to be easy as Bandari has a knack of dealing with their opponents in Mombasa with bare knuckles. They even had the audacity to score first but our players fighting spirit saw Kigonya (Mathias) bury a penalty for the equalizer before Kasumba (Umaru) killed off the game with the second strike,” said Ndagano.

The official was also quick to give plaudits to goalkeeper Kigonya for his unprecedented feat of scoring a goal through a spot kick after an infringement inside the box.

“I want to congratulate Kigonya and urge other glove-men in the team to emulate him. Even goalkeepers can score goals and what Kigonya did in Mombasa is to say the least commendable,” added Ndagano.

Kigonya, who is making a comeback in the team after a nagging shoulder injury, is fast establishing himself as a match-maker at Sofapaka and whose ability is doubtless.
In the meantime, Ndagano said following their weekend success, Sofapaka will strive to get more positive results in their remaining fixtures to put pressure on league leaders Gor Mahia for the title.

Sofapaka next face Western Stima on Sunday and will be gunning for nothing short of another maximum point-haul to realize their dream of recapturing the title they last won in 2009.

Separately, Sofapaka will square it out with a yet unconfirmed team for the Mashujaa Day Cup on Friday.

Ndagano hinted that Sofapaka will use the match to test players who have been on the substitutes’ bench.

“We want to test the players who have been inactive and if they will fit the ball, they will be gradually absorbed in the starting line-up,” said Ndagano.

Sofapaka Ugandan tactician Sam Ssimbwa has won his first accolade since coming to Kenya after he bagged the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Coach of the Month of August 2017.

Ssimbwa was honored yesterday by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) due to his exploits with Batoto Ba Mungu who are lying second in the KPL and are battling table-toppers Gor Mahia for the title.

Nicknamed Prince in his native Uganda, Ssimbwa prevailed in a tough voting contest, beating Gor Mahia’s coach Dylan Kerr after propelling Batoto Ba Mungu to four wins and draw during the month.

Ssimbwa, 50, achieved the feat with a total of 18 votes as compared to six that was polled by Kerr.

During the month of August, Ssimbwa was steadfast in throwing down the gauntlet as Sofapaka dispatched Thika United, Nakumatt, Muhoroni Youth and Nzoia Sugar before sharing the spoils with Posta Rangers.

The same month, a rejuvenated Sofapaka plundered a total of fifteen goals and conceded only six.

Ssimbwa now becomes the fifth coach to wins the awards since inception after former Gor Mahia Brazilian coach Jose “Marcelo” Ferreira, Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo (Posta Rangers), George “Best”Nsimbe (Tusker) and Omino.

Curiously, Ssimbwa who is deputized by John Baraza has emulated former Western Stima gaffer Henry Omino, who has since been designated as the team’s Technical Director, who won the June/July away and in the process pocketed KSh 75,000.

Soon after the award, an elated Ssimbwa said the honour would not have been possible were it not for the unswerving support BY fellow technical bench officials and players.

“Obviously, such awards cannot be achieved single-handedly and I want to take this opportunity to thank my players, officials and backroom staff. Honestly, we were on top of our game in August and I wish to categorically say that I will not rest on my laurels and will work towards winning more awards,’’said Ssimbwa.

Sofapaka head coach Sam Ssimbwa has won his first award in Kenyan football after being named the August 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Coach of the Month and duly feted at the team’s training base, Eastleigh High School ground. He was awarded the trophy and Kshs 75,000 during a brief ceremony courtesy of sponsors Fidelity Bank on Tuesday 17 October.

He beat Gor Mahia’s head coach Dylan Kerr as voted by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), having led his team to four wins and a draw in the month, a run which also placed Sofapaka well in contention for the KPL title.

Currently they are no 2 and 1 respectively in the super league standings. Sam got 18votes while his competitor got 6votes, to clinch the coveted award.

Since it began in March this year, Coach Ssimbwa becomes the fifth recipient of the award and follows Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira, Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo, Tusker FC’s George Nsimbe and Omino, who bagged the accolades in March, April, May and June/July, respectively.

On his part he said “We started the league as underdogs but it’s commendable we have done well, especially in the second leg. There is a slim mathematical possibility of getting to the title but Gor Mahia have a huge advantage. Anything is possible in football though, and all we need to do is just win our matches one after another.”

Ssimbwa led title chasing Sofapaka to four victories and draw, scoring fifteen goals and thirteen points, while at it win the gong ahead of Gor Mahia’s Dylan Kerr seven goals and thirteen points as well.

Muhoroni vs Sofapaka (2 – 3)

Thika United vs Sofapaka (0 – 3)

Sofapaka vs Nzoia Sugar (3 – 1)

Sofapaka Vs Posta Rangers (1 – 1)

Sofapaka vs Nakumatt (5 – 2)

 

 

 

 

With only six round of matches left before the 2017 season of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) comes to a close, the race for the Golden Boot is getting hotter with only three goals separating eight players at the top of the charts.

Sofapaka’s lanky forward Umaru Kasumba seems the most in-form player, having netted eleven goals since joining Batoto Ba Mungu in the June transfer window. This is an impressive statistic given that the Ugandan international has only been involved in half of the matches that his competitors have played. He now ties with Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru who also has eleven goals to his name but has of late found it difficult to build onto his tally.

Closely tracking them is Nakumatt FC’s Kepha Aswani and Gor Mahia’s Meddie Kagere who both have scored ten times. Aswani was unfortunate not to get a chance to hunt for more goals on Saturday, missing his side’s 2-1 loss to Western Stima due to suspension.

Jacques Tuyisenge is another Gor Mahia player who make it into the list with nine goals to show, same as Mathare United’s Chrispin Oduor. Masoud Juma of Kariobangi Sharks and Sofapaka’s Ezekiel Okare come in fourth with eight goals each.

Zoo Kericho FC duo of Mike Madoya and Nicholas Kipkurui sum up the top ten list with seven goals each.

Top ten top scorers so far

11: Stephen Waruru, (Ulinzi Stars), Umaru Kasumba (Sofapaka)

10: Kepha Aswani (Nakumatt), Medie Kagere (Gor Mahia)

9: Jacques Tuyisenge (Gor Mahia), Chrispin Oduor (Mathare United)

8: Juma Masoud (Kariobangi Sharks), Ezekiel Okare (Sofapaka)

7: Mike Madoya (Zoo Kericho), Nicholas Kipkirui ( Zoo Kericho)

Sofapaka further deepened Bandari FC’s problems after edging them 2-1 on Saturday October 14 at the Mbaraki Stadium, in a match that goalkeeper Wilson Obungu received a red card and the Sofapaka keeper also scoring a goal through a penalty.

Bandari were first to score through Edwin Lavatsa, who latched on to Fred Nkata’s pass to beat keeper Mathias Kigonya from close range in the 24th minute.

Meshack Karani then came back to haunt his former employers with a goal midway through the second half which evened the scores for both teams. The forward found the back of the net amid confusion in Bandari’s zone as a handful of players tried getting onto the ball.

With five minutes left of play, keeper Mathias Kigonya secured all three points for Sofapaka, beating his opposite counterpart from the penalty spot after Andrew Waiswa has handled the ball inside the box.

Wilson Obungu added salt to The Docker’s injury in the 89th minute after he was shown a straight red card and had to get off the field after kicking Ugandan international Umaru Kasumba.

Worst run

The result stretches Bandari’s losing streak to five consecutive matches, with the Coastal based side having last won in early September and placed them at position 11 in the league standings.

Paul Nkata’s side, who have recorded just one win in their last ten matches, have slipped down the table standings to position eleven with 33 points.

They however have a chance to rejuvenate themselves when they visit fellow strugglers Nakumatt FC in Round of 30 of the league matches.

 

Sofapaka downs Bandari to a 2-1 in a Kenya Premier League action where Wilson Obungu was sent off again. This win still places Batoto ba Mungu on the number 2 slot on the premier league standings.

Edwin Lavatsa made good use of Fred Nkata’s pass into the box and tapped past Mathias Kigonya in the 24th minute of play. Hassan Abdalla had missed to put the host in the lead in the second minute after breaking loose on the right flank.

Michael Oduor tried his best from a long range shot but his low drive landed in Wilson Obungu’s hands and the keeper was at it again as he stopped Ezekiel Okare’s header from Rodgers Aloro’s free kick in the 16th minute.

Kennedy Oduor almost gifted Ivan Kiwewa a goal as he failed to clear inside the box but the Bandari forward shot off target as the teams headed back into the tunnel.

Equalizer

Michael Oduor delivered a good cross the left flank and Bandari defenders failed to clear the cross and Meshack Karani scored from the goal mouth melee.

In the 85^th minute, keeper Mathias Kigonya scored the winning goal after Sofapaka was awarded the penalty in the 85th minute. Andrew Waiswa handled the ball inside the area leading to the penalty.

Red Carded Obungu 

A minute before the final whistle blew, Bandari keeper kicked Umaru Kasumba and was shown the red card. He refused to leave the pitch but his technical bench prevailed upon him. Nkata was sacrificed and Joseph Okoth went to guard the post.

Sofapaka Starting XI:  Mathias Kigonya (GK), Rodgers Aloro, Maurice Odipo, Kennedy Oduor, Jonathan  Mugabi, Hilary Echesa, Leroy Otieno, Michael Oduor, Umaru Kasumba, Ali Feni, Ezekiel Okare.

Substitutes: George Opiyo (GK), Mohammed Kilume, Samuel Mutiria, Edmond Kwanya, Brian Magonya, Timothy Luda, Meshack Karani.

Bandari Starting XI; Wilson Obungu, Hassan Abdalla, Mohamed Siraj, Bernard Odhiambo, Andrew Waiswa, Wilberforce Lugogo, Edwin Lavatsa, Ivan Kiwewa ( Kevin Omondi), Darius Msagha ( Shaban Kenga).

Substitutes: Joseph Okoth, John Oginga, Felly Mulumba, Baron Oketch, Farid Mohamed.

 

 

PLAYERS

1. Mathias Kigonya
2. Rogers Aloro
3. Maurice Odipo
4. Kennedy Oduor
5. Jonathan Mugabi
6. Hilary Echesa
7. Leroy Otieno
8. Micheal Oduor
9. Umaru Kasumba
10. Ali Feni
11. Ezekiel Okare

RESERVE PLAYERS

1. George Opiyo
2. Mohammed Kilume
3. Samuel Mutiria
4. Edmond Kwanya
5. Brian Magonya
6. Timothy Luda
7. Meshack karani

He is a tactician who needs no introduction amongst Kenyans due to his enviable feat of ruling the football coaching landscape like a colossus.

His attributes are discernible so much so that they have endeared him to many football clubs across the region and which have produced players of international repute, among them our own Sofapaka FC.

Meet Sam Ssimbwa, the affable Ugandan tactician who is on his second stint at Sofapaka and whose expertise has made Batoto Ba Mungu  a marvel to watch in the ongoing Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Ssimbwa who will turn 51 on December 13, 2017 can aptly be described as a man who is a firm believer of giving credit where it is due as he categorically asserts that KPL is the most competitive league in the east African region, hence his decision to cross over into the country from his native Uganda.

“For sure, KPL is a cut above the rest in the region and players in Kenya have the right physique, are talented and above all possess the requisite discipline to make it far in the game. Unlike other countries where top clubs hold monopoly, things are different here in that rank outsiders can beat fancied opponents at any given time,” offers Ssimbwa.

He expounds with a pinch of example “By this, I mean a team like Thika United beating Gor Mahia which is healthy for the growth of the game since it will make the league more competitive.”

Like many successful coaches around the globe, Ssimbwa is averse with youth football that yields quality football at the senior ranks having previously handled Uganda who have had a success story in the regional championship.

He was the head coach of the Baby Cranes during the under-20 tournament held in Kenya in which the latter won 2-1 in the final held at the City stadium.

Then between 2005 and 2006, Ssimbwa was the understudy of Egyptian Mohammed Abbas in the junior team that produced several players in the senior team.

He was then contracted in a similar position in 2007-2008 working under German Csaba Laszio with his coaching star rising by the day.

Going back to his playing career, Ssimbwa starred for Ugandan age-group teams from under-14, 1under 16, under-18 before rising through the ranks to don the national team colours.

Curiously, Ssimbwa was in the crack Uganda Cranes side that won the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in 1989 and was a year later voted the best winger during the championships held in Zanzibar in which Uganda won a gold medal.

Later on in 1992, Ssimbwa was in the dreaded KCC squad that beat Kenya’s Rivatex 3-2 in an invitational match in Kampala in which the Kenyan team then featured the late Alfayo Odongo, Riverance Nangalama, Tom Rero, Charles Bwire Namudeche and Patrick Nachok.

Ssimbwa reminisces some of his breakthroughs in his coaching careers including almost spearheading Rwanda’s Atraco to the group stage of the Africa Champions League where they were edged out by a Tunisian club.

“We held them (Tunisians) to 2-2 draw in Kigali and the return match in Tunis ended 1-1. It was just hard luck but I believe reaching that stage was an achievement in itself,” says Ssimbwa.

Nicknamed Mulangira (which means Prince) in his native Uganda, Ssimbwa’s other pride come in form of propelling Sofapaka to a third place finish at the Cecafa inter-club championships in Rwanda in the year 2000. Besides winning two trophies with Express and one with KCC in the Ugandan league, he reckons that he would like his son Prince Nakibinge Willy Bulasio who he has been named after his father to take up football seriously and emulate him.

However, above all, Ssimbwa said his burning desire is to make Sofapaka one of the best teams not only in East Africa but Africa as a whole.

“I must say I’m leaving nothing to chance to make Sofapaka the darling of Africa.  The fans should keep on supporting us and the desires results will come,” said Ssimbwa.

Ssimbwa played for three clubs including KK Cosmos in 1986, Kampala City Council between 1987 and 1995 and Mbale Heroes in 1999-2000.

He also had a chequered career at Ugandan national team, The Cranes winning several honours.

He has coached the following clubs including Health (1998), Mbale Heroes (1999-2000), Masaka LC (2001), Military Police (2000), KCC (2002 and 2009), Top TV FC (2003-2004).

Ssimbwa’s thirst for coaching also took him to Rwandan side Atraco (2006), Express Fc (2007), Tanzanian Simba (2008) and is currently attached to Kenyan club Sofapaka.

Since November until December 2012 he coached the Somalian national football team and was previously the coach of SC Victoria University.

He would later be hired by Express FC before testing waters at Rwandese club Police FC.

 

SAM SSIMBWA

QUICK FACT FILE

Name – Sam Ssimbwa

Nickname – Mulangira (Prince)

Year of Birth – 1967

Playing career – KK Cosmos, KCC, Mbale Heroes

Coaching career-Health FC, Mbale Heroes, Masaka FC, Uganda Military Police, KCC, Top TV, Atraco, Express, Simba, Sofapaka

 

Sofapaka will have to adjust themselves accordingly on Saturday, October 14 when they visit Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Sports Grounds as they will be without two key players who are out with injuries.

The second-placed side will be lacking Bernard Mangoli and Humphrey Okoti for the important clash. According to the club, Mangoli suffered a toe injury during the game against Gor Mahia two weeks ago while Okoti is out with a groin injury.

A glance

With only losses to show in their last four matches, Bandari are hungry for a win that would put aside all their troubles. The Coastal based side has slipped out of the top ten positions and are placed 11th with 33 points.

Sofapaka on the other hand will seek motivation from their latest 2-0 win over AFC Leopards as they tackle Bandari.

After receiving Sofapaka’s player of the month for a second consecutive time, Ugandan forward Umaru Kasumba will be eyeing the league’s top scorer’s spot with a goal on Saturday. He is currently joint with Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru on eleven goals.

Sofapaka FC have declared that they remain focused ahead of Saturday’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match against Bandari in Mombasa despite the odds of missing three key players.

Sofapaka will make do without injured duo of Humphrey Okoti and Bernard Mang’oli who are nursing groin and toe injuries respectively.

Another player who will miss out is inspirational defender Willis Ouma who has accumulated five yellow cards, but the team’s deputy coach John Baraza is unfazed by the set-back.

“Obviously, missing three of our dependable players is a blow but that doesn’t mean that we are disillusioned. We have several replacements and I can assure you that we are determined to give Bandari a run for their money,” said Baraza.

He added:’’ Bandari may be playing at home before their fans but I have the feeling that Sofapaka has the pedigree to win anywhere. We are physically and psychologically prepared and if we can chalk up three points in Mombasa it will increase our chances of winding up among the top teams in the league,” said Baraza.

In a nutshell, Baraza said their ultimate aim is to finish at least in the second position, adding that this is achievable if the teams win its remaining fixtures.

“I cannot deny that our work is cut out but we need to summon willpower and confidence and the rest shall fall in place. A second place is not too much to ask and we need to continue working hard to make the dream a reality,” said Baraza.