Category: News

HOMEBOYZ DENT SOFAPAKA’S TITLE AMBITIONS WITH A 2-1 WIN..

Kakamega Homeboyz extended Sofapaka’s winless run to three consecutive matches after overcoming them 2-1 in a match played on Saturday September 23 at the Mumias Sports Complex.

Sofapaka were first to score in the 40th minute through lethal striker Umaru Kasumba who was left with a simple task of tapping in the ball which had been floated into the box by veteran Ezekiel Okare. Jeremiah Wanjala however leveled matters for the hosts just before the break from the penalty spot after defender Rodgers Aloro was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.

Wycliffe Opondo then completed the comeback to seal a win for Homeboyz in the second half, displaying a brilliant solo run from their half to unleash a long range strike that went past keeper George Opiyo.

The loss complicates Sofapaka’s quest of catching up with league leaders Gor Mahia who recorded a 2-0 victory over defending champions Tusker FC at the Kericho Green Stadium.

Homeboyz Starting XI: David Juma, Ambunya Eric, Collins Kisuya, George odiwor, Charles Momanyi, Moses Chikati, Moses Mudavadi, Eston Esiye ( David Okoth), Jeremiah Wanjala ( John Avire), Wycliffe Opondo, Ali Bai, ( Festo Omukoto)

Unused subs: McArthur Arakaza, Francis Nambute, Mauda Hedmond, Festo Omukoto, Victor Matete.

Sofapaka Starting XI: George Opiyo, Maurice Odipo, Wesley Onguso, Aloro Rodgers, Jonathan Mugabi, Mike Kilume, Mike Oduor, Hillary Echesa ( Morven Otinya), Umaru Kasumba, Ali Feni ( Bernard Mang’oli) , Ezekiel Okare

Unused subs: Reuben Juma, Okoti Humphrey, Mutira samwel, Kennedy Odiuor,  Brian Magonya,  Leroy Otieno.

STARTING LINE UP TO FACE HOME BOYZ

Sofapaka lineup for the match against Kakamega Homeboyz
1. George Opiyo (GK)
2. Maurice Odipo
3. Rodgers Aloro
4. Jonathan Mugabi
5. Willis Ouma
6. Micheal Oduor
7. Hillary Echesa
8. Mohammed Kilume
9. Ali Feni
10.Ezekiel Okare
11.Umaru Kasumba

SOFAPAKA SET TO CLASH WITH BOGEY TEAM HOMEBOYZ

When Sofapaka take  on Kakamega Homeboyz in the return match of the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) at Mumias Complex on Saturday, it will rekindle not only the rivalry between the two sides but also the notable coincidence in which most of their meetings have ended in draws.
A peek at some of the records indicate that on May 4, 2015 at Nyayo National Stadium, it was a closely contested affair between the two teams with the final score line reading 0-0 and among players who shone for Sofapaka were goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng and defender James Situma who have since joined Tusker.
Despite dropping points, Sofapaka were on top of their game and this perhaps explains why Ochieng’ was voted the man of the match due to his top-drawer saves.
The stalemate took Sofapaka to the top of the league standings with Homeboyz dropping a wrung lower from the 14th to the 15th position.
Then on July 17, 2016 at Mumias Sports Complex, Sofapaka rallied from a goal down to restrict Homeboyz to a 1-1 draw.
The close contests continued and fast forward to April 22, 2017, during the first KPL match to have been played at Camp Toyoyo ground in Jericho, the two teams played to a barren draw in which scoring chances were created by either side..
So hard fought are battles between Sofapaka and Homeboyz that the lingering question is; just who among them will break the duck and emerge the outright winner?
The fortunes between the two teams lately in the second leg of the league have been as different as day and night and while Homeboyz have not had a perfect season to write home about, Sofapaka who are angling for the league title have been riding high.
Although Batoto Ba Mungu have dropped points in good measure along the way, losing 2-1 to Ulinzi Stars and drawing 0-0 with Kariobangi Sharks, pundits strongly feel that it’s their disparity in fortunes with Homeboyz that might win them the contest in their Western Kenya outing.
However, as Sofapaka embarks on an estimated 409 kilometre journey to the Mumias sugar belt, they also ought not to forget that this is one of the most dreary hunting grounds where, on a good day, Homeboyz can make life quite difficult to their opponents.
But Sofapaka Technical Director Martin Ndagano sought to downplay Homeboyz’ mojo at their own backyard, saying Batoto Ba Mungu have the capacity to win in any pitch at any given time.
“You know, we are in contention for the league title and thus cannot afford to put our feet off the gas pedal. I gather Homeboyz are tough at home but that does not worry us. We are focused and shall fight to the last man standing,” observed Ndagano.
The team’s deputy coach John Baraza was equally confident that the team will conjure up a descent result.
“The team is physically and psychologically prepared to meet Homeboyz. We’ll treat it like any other game and I’m confident the players will give a good account of themselves in the team’s quest of catching up with league leaders Gor Mahia,” said Baraza.
Sofapaka are separated by nine points with Gor Mahia and the weekend matches might will give a hint as to where the league title is headed to.
Sofapaka will be keeping their fingers crossed as they will be seeking to secure maximum points while hoping that Gor Mahia, their close challengers for the title, falters in their match against Tusker at Kericho Green Stadium.
However, success for Sofapaka will all but depend on the kind of line-up coaches Sam Ssimbwa and Baraza will come up with.
Since first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya sustained a shoulder injury which has kept him out of the game for the last three weeks, George Opiyo has proved a reliable replacement being shielded by Willis Ouma, Wesley Onguso Rodgers Aloro and Jonathan Mugabi at the back.
Sofapaka have a large pool of players and the coaching staff has the choice of introducing Benard Mang’oli and Timothy Luda, who have been warming the bench, to the starting line-up.
But over and above it will be interesting to observe what will be up the sleeves of free scoring Umaru Kasumba and his strike partner Ezekiel Okare who will be tasked with dismantling the Homeboyz defence of Eric Ambunya, Collins Kisuya, Charles Momanyi and George Odwuor.

Suspension of Nakumatt FC and Zoo Kericho FC FROM KPL

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) governing council has formally released a statement confirming the suspension of Nakumatt FC and Zoo Kericho from top flight football with immediate effect.

The decision was reached upon following a KPL Governing Council meeting held on Friday September 22 after the High Court’s ruling which ordered that the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) be composed of 16 teams, and Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) promotion of four teams from the National Super League is null and void.

Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho now find themselves in uncertainty as they will not feature anymore in the top flight league which is only nine matches to the end. The two sides have performed fairly well so far, Nakumatt sitting 12th on the table standings with 31 points while Zoo are 14th with 29 points.

It is also waited to be seen how the league council will handle the other teams given that Nzoia Sugar and Western Stima were scheduled to play against the two sides during the weekend.

In November last year, world’s football governing body FIFA upheld Football Kenya Federation’s idea of having 18 teams in KPL

KPL official statement

Following service of the High Court Ruling issued on Thursday, 21 September 2017 in the matter of, Petition No. 59 of 2017, Sports Tribunal between Sam Nyamweya (Petitioner) and Sports Dispute Tribunal (1st Respondent), Football Kenya Federation (2nd Respondent), and Kenyan Premier League (3rd Respondent), as well as the KPL Governing Council meeting held today, Friday, 22 September 2017, it is wished to be confirmed that in compliance to the court’s decision, Nakumatt Football Club and Zoo Football Club have been suspended from participating in the SportPesa Premier League.

Kenyan Premier League is committed to respecting the Rule of Law and the decision to suspend the two Clubs has been taken following review of article 28 (d) of the ruling received, which states, “A declaration be and is hereby issued that Kenyan Premier League shall have a maximum of 16 teams during the 2017 season, consisting of the fourteen (14) Kenyan Premier League teams which qualified for sporting merit on the field during the 2016 plus the two (2) highest ranked clubs at the end of the 2016 season in the Football Kenya Federation’s National Super League.

A Look At This Season’s Top Five Best Teams Defensively

First things first, who is a defender in a football match?. In the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals.

The first priority of the defender should be to prohibit the ball from reaching the attacker or stopping the attacker from turning goal-side with the ball. If that fails, the defender should contain the offensive player and force them to give up the ball away from the goal or risk being tackled as they turn. Final strategies include maneuvering the attacker into a less dangerous space or getting into position to deflect the attacker’s shot or pass.

The defender’s role in stopping forward movement by the offense is not limited to overpowering the attacker. They must work to rush, pressure and confuse the attacker, thus causing them to make mistakes. Taking advantage of your opponent’s errors makes it easier for you to win the ball and deny penetration toward your goal. A solid defense is a crucial part of a successful soccer team.

Back to the 2017 Kenyan Premier League, various partnerships have been made defensively in all teams but some have been more effective in preventing the opponents from scoring goals.

The number of goals conceded is crucial when it comes to determining the goal difference. When teams are in the table on an equal number of points, the most common method of determining who goes higher than the other is goal difference. Simply the number of goals scored minus the number of goals conceded. In theory, the better team of the two should have a bigger goal difference meaning they’re winning games in a bigger.

SOFAPAKA CUSTODIAN RESUMES LIGHT TRAINING

Sofapaka’s first choice shot-stopper Mathias Kigonya who was injured over three weeks ago is fast recuperating from a shoulder injury and has already started light training with the team.
The 23-year-old acrobatic Ugandan goalkeeper was among Sofapaka players who trained at Eastleigh High School ground yesterday under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa and his deputy John Baraza.
Speaking soon after the morning work-outs, the team’s Technical Director Martin Ndagano said Kigonya is doing light training while going through therapy and is expected to recover fully to start in the mid-week match against Gor Mahia next Wednesday.
‘’We are closely monitoring his (Kigonya’s) progress and we are glad that he is showing signs of making a full recovery. I guess he should have received clearance to play by the time we face Gor Mahia next week,’’ said Ndagano.
Kigonya who is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the KPL injured his shoulder during the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match against Posta Rangers on August 26 which ended 1-1.
The mishap saw Kigonya miss matches against Chemelil Sugar, Ulinzi Stars and Kariobangi Sharks.
He has also been ruled out of the Kakamega Homeboyz game but, hopefully, he should be up and about to serve as the team’s main inspiration against Gor with whom Sofapaka are battling for the KPL title.
In the absence of Kigonya, Sofapaka have been relying on Reuben Juma and George Opiyo.

FREE SCORING SOFAPAKA STAYING FOCUSED

Despite trailing 2017 Kenyan Premier League table-toppers Gor Mahia by nine points, Sofapaka have the bragging rights of having plundered the highest number of goals in the season.
The goal-hungry Batoto Ba Mungu have 38 strikes to their name with K’ogalo coming a close second with 36 strikes thus far.
Yesterday, Sofapaka Technical Director Martin Ndagano said it’s encouraging to note that the team’s strikers have an eye for goal and can only get better before the league comes to a conclusion.
Ndagano added that the idea of the Sofapaka management to ring changes in the playing unit and especially the striking line was ultimately the antidote the team needed to score goals.
‘’We went for strikers with a proven scoring record and hopefully, Sofapaka fans should expect more goals from them as the league progresses,’’ said Ndagano.
The official singled out red-hot striker Umaru Kasumba and Ezekiel Okare, who have scored nine and seven goals respectively, as players whose work-rate is excellent, adding that both have the potential of bagging the Golden Boot Award at the end of the season.
Ndagano said there is no respite in the marksmanship and has declared that his charges are ready for a goal-fest during this Saturday’s match against Kakamega Homeboyz in Mumias Complex and the midweek fixture next Wednesday against Gor Mahia.
Commenting on the two upcoming matches, Ndagano said Batoto Ba Mungu have not pressed the panic button despite the fact that both Homeboyz and Gor are some of the strongest teams in the league.
‘’We know the kind of opposition we are up against but I would be cheating you if I tell you that we are jittery. We are fighting for the league title and as such cannot afford to take things lightly,’’ said Ndagano.
Sofapaka were held to a goalless draw in the first KPL match to have been played at Camp Toyoyo ground in Jericho and it will be interesting to observe just what will be up their sleeves in the reverse fixture in Mumias that is reputed to be one of the most dreary hunting grounds in the country.
Homeboyz has always proved to be a gritty side when playing at Mumias Complex but then, pundits aver that the team is beatable by any opponent with proper planning.
The team’s strength mainly lies on twin strikers Keiphas Baraza and Andrew Murunga and these are the players Sofapaka will need to keep on a leash throughout the match.

SSIMBWA HEAPS PRAISE ON DEADLY STRIKER KASUMBA

Sopafapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa has heaped praise on the team’s talismanic striker and fellow countryman Umaru Kasumba, saying he wants to mold the player and many others into formidable footballers who can play anywhere in the world.
Ssimbwa said he noticed Kasumba’s talent in his native Uganda and especially when the player was turning out for Sports Club Villa and did not hesitate to incorporate him in the Batoto Ba Mungu squad soon after being hired by the team’s President Elly Kalekwa.
Ssimbwa said Kasumba has the potential to grow with Sofapaka and ultimately get a place in the Uganda national team, The Cranes.
“You see, the player is willing to learn which is very encouraging and as a coach you must be happy about this. It’s my philosophy to produce players who go ahead to play for their national teams,” said Ssimbwa, a respected coach both in Kenya and his native Uganda.
Ssimbwa’s trail of producing top notch players is well choreographed in his first stint as Sofapaka coach during the 2009-2010 season in which the team produced the highest number of players in the Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars.
Among the players who donned the national team include Edgar “Fighter”Ochieng, Hilary Echesa, John “Leftie”Ndirangu, John Baraza, Wilson Obungu Oburu and Bob Mugalia who ditched his Congolese passport to turn out for Kenya.

Fast forward to 2017, Ssimbwa’s midas touch of producing such caliber of players is evident as Sofapaka’s former Ugandan midfield enforcer Shaffique Batambuze who has since joined Singida United of Tanzania was briefly called up to the Uganda Cranes last year ahead of CHAN qualification.

Ssimbwa said the philosophy of getting the best from players runs in his blood, adding that it his wish to see to it that as many Kenyan and Ugandan players feature for their national teams for the simple reason that it will serve as the catalyst for them to attract the interest of bigger clubs in Europe.
“I’m always happy when I see the players perform since this will be for their own good. I want to leave a legacy in Kenya which will be worth emulating,”said Ssimbwa who has had several stints coaching Young Africans (Tanzania), Atraco  (Rwanda) and Sports Club Villa (Uganda).
Besides Kasumba, other Ugandan players trying to establish themselves at Sofapaka include Ali Feni, Rodgers Aloro and Mathias Kigonya
Meanwhile, Ssimbwa has noted that Sofapaka were victims of ill luck during last weekend’s KPL match against Kariobangi Sharks which ended 0-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
“Sharks are a good side and its little wonder they squeezed a point from us. They have talented players, at times tricky to beat, but the draw was not my wish because I wanted to reduce the gap between us and Gor Mahia. We created more chances in the second half but we were just unlucky. We still have nine matches to go. We have to continue fighting until the end. The title race is far from over.” said Ssimbwa.
Meshack Karani and the redhot Umar Kasumba were a threat for Sofapaka but just could not make the decisive breakthrough.
The single point for title chasing Sofapaka brings up their season’s points tally to 42, behind leaders Gor Mahia who also settled for a scoreless draw with Thika United at Thika sub county stadium  last Sunday.
Sofapaka will be up against Kakamega Homeboyz in their next fixture on Saturday.
Like Sofapaka, Homeboyz will be seeking for an improved performance after being held to a barren draw by AFC Leopards last week.

Ssimbwa Heaps Praise On Sharks, Insists Title Race Is Far From Over

Sofapaka head coach Sam Ssimbwa has showered Kariobangi Sharks with praise after they held them to a barren draw on Saturday September 16 at the Kenyatta stadium.

Sofapaka were eager to reduce the gap between them and leaders Gor Mahia but unfortunately could not break the Sharks defense, settling for one point as they did in the first leg encounter.

Even as he praised Sharks’ resiliency, Ssimbwa was not happy with losing two points but insisted that they will continue fighting as the title race is still far from over.

“Sharks are a good. They have talented players, at times tricky to beat, but the draw was not my wish because I wanted to reduce the gap between us and Gor Mahia. We created more chances in the second half but we were just unlucky. We still have nine matches to go. We have to continue fighting until the end. The title race is far from over,” said Ssimbwa.

Having not won in their last two matches, Sofapaka will be hungry for three points when they visit Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday September 23, 2017. The 2009 league champions are currently second on the log with 42 points while Kakamega Homeboyz trail them closely behind with 39 points.

PLAYER PROFILE: MATHIAS KIGONYA (GK)

For Sofapaka’s acrobatic Ugandan goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, the evocative feelings of facing European opponents for his first time ever when the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) All Stars toured Spain last July will forever remain etched in his memory.
SPL Allstars played two friendlies against Cardoba and Sevilla “B” and it was the latter match which presented Kigonya with an opportunity to show just what stuff he is made of despite letting in a solitary goal that would eventually win the match for the Spanish side
The 22-year old, who alongside Boniface Muchiri of Tusker were the stand-out performers in the team, said the match marked a turning point in his career and, most importantly, he learned vital lessons about the European style of play and how to deal with situations as a glove-man.
“Honestly playing against European opponents is the aspiration of every African player and for me, it was a dream come true. We may have lost both matches but I came to realize that these guys are beatable only what is required of us going forward is confidence,” Kigonya offers.
Kigonya then opens up to what he observed was the strong points of Spanish teams at least from his own experience when he was given the responsibility to man KPL Allstars posts against Sevilla.
“Their (Sevilla) strikers strive so much in the flanks and are full of running. Their fire-power is discernible and if you are taxed to be the goalkeeper, you will definitely need to be on full alert lest you concede many goals from that position,” said Kigonya.
He added:” Our defenders were able to contain Sevilla strikers and in the few occasions they shot from the wings, I was able to perfectly deal with the situations. Hopefully, I should be able to demonstrate those newly acquired skills in the KPL,”.
Born 23 years ago to Francis Muwanga and Suzanne Nabakooza, Kigonya is blessed with special attributes so much so that Kenyan football fans can’t help but wish that he changes nationality to play for the national team Harambee Stars.
But in as much as Kigonya is enjoying his time in Kenya and is willing to change allegiance, that is not possible given the stringent Fifa rules that requires a player to have been resident of his adopted country for at least two years.
Apparently, Kigonya whose role models are his fellow countrymen is barely a year old since joining Sofapaka from Ugandan side Bright Stars which automatically rules him out of the passport change.
To Ugandan fans, Kigonya is best remembered as the all conquering goalkeeper at the 2010 Copa Coca Cola national Championships when he steered Bishop Nankyama School to the title.
It was least surprising when he received a call up to the Ugandan national team, The Cranes, for the 2016 Africa Nations Championships and thereafter the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Fact File-
Name: Mathias Kigonya
DOB: February 2, 1995
Career:
  • Bishop Nankyama School,
  • Jogoo Young,
  • SC Villa, Baza Holdings,
  • Soana FC,
  • Bright Stars,
  • Sofapaka FC (current)
Role models: Dennis Onyango, Benjamin Ochan
Favorite food: Fish and Matoke