Category: News

SOFAPAKA VS BANDARI PREVIEW

When Sofapaka last played in an away Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match, they succumbed 1-2 to table-toppers Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

This is a spell Batoto Ba Mungu will be hoping to cast away in the searing temperatures of Mombasa when they engage Bandari at the Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday.

Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa, whose team is vouching to wind up among the top two positions in the league, has already sounded war-drums but is nonetheless cautious of a Bandari side that gave them a hectic time during the first leg match in Nairobi.

“I can say with certainty that my boys are hungry for victory, but it should be understood that Bandari held us to a barren draw in Nairobi and should thus not be treated with kid-gloves,” said Ssimbwa after conducting Sofapaka’s penultimate training before the team embarked on an estimated 462-kilometre trip to Mombasa.

In the meantime, one player who will perhaps take on the dockers with settled nerves is free-scoring Ugandan import Umaru Kasumba who has just bagged back-to-back Sofapaka’s best player and top scorer award.

“The award has given me motivation and I can’t wait to face Bandari in my quest to increase my goal-tally. I want to make Sofapaka better than I found it and hopefully, I will be able to bag the Golden Boot Award,” said Kasumba.

So far Kasumba has netted 11 goals, same as Waruru of Ulinzi Stars and it will be interesting to observe who amongst them will have the last laugh with only an average of eight matches left before the conclusion of the season.

Meanwhile, Since he decamped to the free-spending Sofapaka from Thika United last June, attack-oriented winger Timothy Luda has cultivated a lot of discipline at Batoto Ba Mungu’s camp to the extent of earning himself plaudits from the coach Sam Ssimbwa.

It is because of such virtues that Ssimbwa has explicitly declared that Luda will be part of the squad when the team goes hunting against Bandari.

“I must say that since Luda relocated to Nairobi from Thika, his behavioral attitude has changed to the better. You know, he had been exposed to all sort of ills not suitable to footballers such as partying but once we plucked him from Thika and brought him to Nairobi, he is now a disciplined player par-excellence,” said Ssimbwa.

Sofapaka couldn’t have wished for a great morale boost going into the Bandari game given that almost all the players are in tip-top shape.

“We are going to Mombasa not as tourists but to conjure up a descent result since most of the players are fit. Bandari is a strong team especially when playing at home but all the same, we are determined to give them pound for pound,” said Ssimbwa.

However, Sofapaka will miss Humphrey Okoti and Bernard Man’goli, who are on the injury list, as well as Willis Ouma who has accumulated yellow cards.

Mathias Kigonya is expected to provide a safe pair of hands between the posts with Wesley Onguso, Rodgers Aloro, Jonathan Mugabi and Maurice Odipo providing cover at the back as Hilary Echesa lead forays in midfield.

As usual Kasumba will lead the goal-hunt assisted by Ali Feni and Kennedy Oduor.

KASUMBA HONOURED AGAIN AS SOFAPAKA’S BEST PLAYER

Ugandan talismanic striker Umaru Kasumba has for the second time running won the top scorer and best performing award for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Sofapaka in the month of September, 2017.

Kasumba’s unique elegance saw him score five out of seven goals scored by Sofapaka in the month alone which came with a Sh 30,000 award.

Kasumba went further to be declared the player of the month and received a similar award during a short ceremony held at the team’s training ground at Eastleigh High School yesterday.

Mohammed Kilume tied up with Modest Aloro for the best player runner-up accolades although it was the former who scooped Sh 20,000 that was at stake following evaluation during matches against Chemelil Sugar, Ulinzi Stars, Kariobangi Sharks, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia.

Kilume received the best player’s runner-up prize on the strength of being relatively younger than Aloro ostensibly to give him motivation, besides the fact that the latter had won the same award during its inauguration, hence the need to give it to someone else as a sign of goodwill.

“At Sofapaka, we are like a family bound by love where everyone is one’s keeper. Kilume is younger as compared to Aloro who won the last edition and it was only fair that he be given the honors to boost his confidence. There are absolutely no hard feelings in this development,” said Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa while giving out the awards.

On the same note, the Ugandan tactician who is a strict disciplinarian and an advocate of perfection underscored the need of the rest of Sofapaka players working hard to bag the awards which are in the second edition.

“Players have to be dedicated and above all show me that they have what it takes to play for a team of Sofapaka’s calibre since this is the only avenue to the awards. Such attributes require hard work and this is what I have been trying to instil in the team all along,” said Ssimbwa .

Ssimbwa gave plaudits to Kasumba and Kilume, saying they should serve as role models to their collagues who aspire to win the awards in future.

Upon being declared the top marksman and player for the second time on a trot, Kasumba who has been eyeing an iconic status in the KPL attributed the feat to hard work.

“Were it not for hard work and discipline, I don’t think I would have made it.  I want to assure you that I’m not done yet in scoring at the Kenyan league and my target is to bag the Golden Boot Award,” said Kasumba who has 11 goals to his name since joining Batoto Ba Mungu.

Awards at a glance-

  • Top scorer-Umaru Kasumba (Sh 30,000)
  • Best player-Umaru Kasumba (Sh 30,000)
  • Runner-up best player-Mohammed Kilume (Sh 20,000)

Bernard Mang’oli fitness to be assessed

Injured Sofapaka midfielder Bernard Mang’oli is still being assessed by the team’s physiotherapists to ascertain if he will be fit by the time Batoto Ba Mungu plays Bandari at the Mbaraki Sports ground in Mombasa this weekend.
Mang’oli suffered a thumb injury during the match against Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on September 27 and whether he will play for Sofapaka at the coastal town will depend on the final assessment by the physiotherapists on Friday, a day before the match.
During Sofapaka’s morning training session at Eastleigh High School ground yesterday, Mang’oli was exempted from the usual workouts and instead jogged around the field to keep fit under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa and his deputy John Baraza.
In case Mang’oli who was sourced from AFC Leopards does not recover in time, Sofapaka have enough cover in the position including the experienced Maurice Odipo and Brian Magonya.
In the meantime, first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya who is fast recuperating from a shoulder injury was put through through special drills yesterday.
The Ugandan glove-man shrugged off a minor pain in his shoulder to parade for Sofapaka during the match against Gor in which he gave a good account of himself.
During the absence of Kigonya,  Sofapaka mainly relied on reserve goalkeepers Reuben Juma and George Opiyo.

Suspensions Rule Out Ten Players

A total of ten players will miss Round 29 of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) that is set for this week due to suspensions.

Accumulation of five yellow cards

Salim Abdalla, Vincent Misikhu, Lennox Ogutu and David Owino will all miss their team’s fixtures after accumulating five yellow cards. Abdalla earned his fifth yellow card In Leopards’ draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday while Zoo Kericho keeper Misikhu was cautioned for the fifth time during their match against Kakamega Homeboyz. They will be joined by Chemelil Sugar duo of Smith Ouko and Faraj Ominde, who also have five yellow cards to their name.

Missing two consecutive matches

Sony Sugar FC will miss the services of Victor Ademba is against Nzoia Sugar and Chemelil Sugar after the midfielder accrued five yellow cards and a red card. He will be joined by Anthony Wambani of Bandari and Sofapaka’s Willis Ouma who also have the same feat.

For matches against Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia will be without midfielder Ernest Wendo who has so far amassed ten yellow cards.

Players to miss Week 29 of the Kenyan Premier League

  • Vincent Misikhu (Zoo Kericho)
  • Salim Abdalla (AFC Leopards)
  • Victor Ademba (Sony Sugar FC)
  • Anthony Wambani (Bandari)
  • Willis Ouma (Sofapaka FC)
  • Ernest Wendo (Gor Mahia)
  • Lennox Ogutu (Mathare United)
  • David Owino (Mathare United)
  • Smith Ouko (Chemelil Sugar FC)
  • Faraj Ominde (Chemelil Sugar FC)

 

Court orders reinstatement of Zoo Kericho & Nakumatt

The Court of Appeal of Kenya on Tuesday reinstated Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt FC back to the SportPesa Premier League awaiting a full ruling next month.

The two clubs had been suspended from the ongoing season following a High Court ruling on September 21 that rendered their promotion null and void.

A three-judge bench led by Phillip Waki ordered the two teams to continue playing in the top tier until the full ruling is delivered in a month’s time.

“An order is hereby made that the teams continue playing in the KPL until delivery of the ruling is made on November 3, 2017,” said Judge Minoti Kathurima.
Ken Ochieng’, appearing for the appellants, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) challenged the High Court decision to have been overtaken by events.

“The orders ought to have come before commencement of the season. If they prevail, it will be impractical for the two teams to play in the second tier at this time,” Ochieng’ said adding, “Further to that, locking out the two denies players to compete with the best. For instance, Zoo Kericho midfielder Mike Madoya recently won player of the month award worth Sh100 000 while Nakumatt striker Kepha Aswani is in contention for the Golden Boot and best player award that comes with a million shillings.”

Wahome Njagi, appearing for the first respondent, former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Sam Nyamweya, said upholding the orders will be legitimising an illegality.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa was a relieved man following the ruling, calling for more support from football stakeholders.

“We couldn’t ask for a better ruling than this. We should not be playing football in court but on the pitch. The former president decided to complain but the court has found that the players need to be allowed to play,” said Mwendwa.

“We were courting a Fifa ban by removing two teams playing in a league legally.”

Officials from both clubs, who flocked the court, welcomed the decision as they await the full ruling.

“We are relieved that we can now train with purpose. We are ready to play at any given time because we want the points,” Zoo coach Sammy Okoth told Nation Sport.

KEFWA chairman James Situma, his secretary Jerry Santos, FKF vice president Doris Petra, FKF CEO Robert Muthomi, Kariobangi Sharks, Nakumatt and Zoo players were in the court room.

The full ruling has been set for November 3.

SOFAPAKA-DOWNS-INGWE

“I am happy with this win and our morale is back. We had become a laughing stock since we left Nairobi on Thursday last week. We wanted to win this game,” said Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa.

Batoto ba Mungu’s 12th win of the season takes their points tally to 45, 13 ahead of Leopards who succumbed to their 11th defeat.

Feni Ali’s two goals was the difference as Sofapaka beat visiting AFC Leopards 2-0 in the SportPesa Premier League match at the Narok County Stadium on Sunday.

His opposite number Robert Matano blamed disorganisation in the team that contributed to the loss. The team had to travel on the match day for the match two hours away from Nairobi.

“Fatigue played a big role in this game. You cannot travel on the material day to Narok and expect to play so well against a team that has camped here for days,” Matano lamented.

‘I call upon the management to plan well for these boys to reduce fatigue.”

Sofapaka had a quick start with Ugandan Ali capitalising on a defensive lapse to break the deadlock in the opening minute.

Leopards’ defenders Robinson Kamura and Salim Abdallah failed to deal with a cross from Leroy Otieno, allowing an unmarked Feni to find the back of the net with a close range tap in.

In the 16th minute, Samuel Ndung’u picked out Alexis Kitenge with his cross from the left channel, the Burundian teed up Vincent Oburu, but the youngster’s attempted shot did little to trouble Mathias Kigonya in Sofapaka post.

Four minutes later, Ali, whose transfer to Leopards from Ugandan side URA FC hit a snag in June 2017, doubled the lead. Willis Ochieng’ raced down the right flank to find Feni, who unleashed a shot from 18-yard box into the far post with goalkeeper Ian Otieno left napping.

Leopards’ midfield could not string passes as their opponents seized control of the match.

Oburu flicked his header inches wide from Ndung’u’s delivery at the half hour mark. Matano immediately withdrew the off-colour Whyvonne Isuza for Kezironi Kizito as he tried to find the creativity upfront.

Four minutes to the breather, Oburu and Kitenge combined to set up Kizito, who released a pile driver from inside the area, but Kigonya palmed it away for a fruitless corner.

Both coaches came into the second half tactically aware. Ssimbwa played cautiously keeping out Leopards attacks.

Kamura’s free kick from the edge was blocked by a five man Sofapaka wall in the 83rd minute and in the final minute, Aziz Okaka was denied by the crossbar despite beating Kigonya as Ingwe fans furiously walked out.

SOFAPAKA BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH 2 – O VICTORY OVER LEOPARDS

Sofapaka FC kept alive their slim chances of clinching the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) following a 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards at Narok County Stadium.
Ugandan import Ali Feni was the hero for the resurgent Batoto Ba Mungu after scoring a double that downed Ingwe before an estimated 5,000 fans. Feni  was particularly a constant menace to Leopards rearguard in the early exchanges and Umaru Kasumba, who has ten goals so far in Sofapaka’s  KPL campaign, missed two clear-cut chances towards the end of the first half.
Speaking after the match, Sofapaka Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa said winning the match has given the team the much needed inspiration to challenge table-topping Gor Mahia for the title.
“We had a game strategy and I’m glad it has worked to our advantage. I must say that this victory means a lot to us and we need  to keep on working extremely hard to achieve our ultimate bench-marks. I believe the league title is well within our reach,” said Ssimbwa who rung several changes in the team which lost 2-1 to Gor  Mahia at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu last Wednesday.
Sofapaka’s  defence line of Willis Ouma, Rodgers Aloro and Kennedy Oduor also rose up to the occasion by constantly thwarting scoring attempts by Leopards duo of enterprising winger Samuel Ndung’u and Burundian striker Alexis Kitenge.
Sofapaka are trying  to play catch-up to Gor and are back to the second position after dropping a few places in the league chart following its amendment after Kericho Zoo and Nakumatt FC were suspended.

MATCH PREVIEW – SOFAPAKA VS AFC LEOPARDS

Kenya Premier League (KPL) title-hopefuls Sofapaka are still concerned with the alleged poor officiating in their 2-1 loss to Gor Mahia on Wednesday and do hope that the same will not recur when they face AFC Leopards in a potentially explosive fixture at Narok County Stadium this Sunday.
Sofapaka Technical Director, Martin Ndagano did not hide his disappointment over what he described as strange rulings by the center referee in which he dubiously awarded  Gor a penalty besides denying his team two spot kicks.
“I must say suspect calls pervaded the match and had justice prevailed, it would have been a different result altogether. We don’t mind losing fairly but it should not be at the hands of match officials,” said Ndagano whose team drifted to the fourth position behind Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor following the defeat.
This weekend, Sofapaka will be out to make amends when they face Leopards in a match pitting one team vouching for the KPL gong and another which is battling to evade relegation.
Placed 12th in the chart after the amendment of the league following the suspension of Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho, Leopards will be gunning for revenge after going down 1-0 to Batoto Ba Mungu when the two teams met in the first leg on August 26th at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Leopards coach Robert Matano is expected to throw in the fray players like Burundian Alexis Kitenge, Micheal Kibwage and Samuel Ndung’u in search of the much needed points to avoid banishment from the top-tier league.
But if Leopards have their own arsenal to brag about, they will be hard-pressed to contain Sofapaka’s scoring machine Umaru Kasumba who has so far pumped 10 goals in nine matches and is determined to surpass eleven strikes by the league’s leading marksman Stephen Waruru of Ulinzi Stars.
Sofapaka lie fourth in the league standings and assuming they dispatch Leopards and Ulinzi Stars falls at the hands of Kakamega Homeboyz at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday, then coach Sam Ssimbwa’s men will catapult to the third position in the league.
For the last couple of months, Sofapaka have made the Narok Stadium a fortress of sorts as they hardly lose matches at the facility and as such, Leopards should be forewarned and tread carefully lest the worst happens.
Ssimbwa conducted endurance drills at the Stadium yesterday with several of his players saying they felt fit and ready for the assignment ahead against Ingwe.
Besides Kasumba, Sofapaka are expected to rely on several other players like Ezekiel Okare, Rodgers Aloro, Hillary Echesa, Jonathan Mugabi, Morven Otinya and Maurice Odipo, as they plot on the downfall of Leopards who are 13-times KPL champions.
However, on the flip side, Sofapaka will miss the services of resourceful midfielder Mohammed Kilume who is still nursing an injury he sustained during the match against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Complex on September 23

Lethal Kasumba sets sights on Golden Boot

Ugandan hitman Umar Kasumba admits his mission this season is to win the SportPesa Premier League top scorer’s gong. The Sofapaka lethal striker is well on course despite joining the race mid this season.

His latest goal was during Sofapaka’s 2-1 loss to Gor Mahia on Wednesday means Kasumba has now scored 10 league goals in nine games since joining the Kenyan club from SC Villa on June 1.

That’s an average of a goal every game, and just one shy of league top scorer thus far Ulinzi’s Stephen Waruru whose however managed that haul since making his first appearance of the season on April 15 – a match he scored with his first touch in their 1-1 draw against Tusker.

“I want to win that award for top scorer. I am confident and motivated because my teammates told me it comes with benefits,” the strike said.

Last season’s top scorer was John Mark Makwatta with 16 goals. The Golden Boot award came with Sh500,000 in prize money.

Kasumba has also scored five times in two games in the GOtv Shield.

According to the Kenya Premier League portal, the Kampala-born player has netted seven goals with his right foot and three others via his head. What’s more, four of the 10 goals were match-winners. The pacy dribbler also boasts five assists.

“The Kenyan league suits me very well because players fight for the ball all the time, I prefer physical challenges. But I only want to play here for one season before transferring to a European club like Olunga,” the player added.

Up next for Kasumba is a league assignment versus AFC Leopards at Narok Stadium this coming Sunday.