Robert Kharisa Ponda made his debut for the club a fortnight ago in a 2-1 defeat against KCB.

Despite not having one of the best debut one would wish for, the youthful forward was delighted to have made his debut for the club, this what the striker had to say;

On his feelings on joining the club
It was one of the best feelings and achievement for me because I joined one of the top clubs in the country. You rarely find such opportunities with such top side’s at such a young age and that’s why am delighted I joined the team.

On his debut match
It is every player’s dream to play at the top level and so was my dream too. Playing my first ever premier league match was such a deep great feeling for me. Despite going down I felt satisfied because I had made another achievement of playing at top level.

On second successive game
Getting playing time in my second successive game against Gor Mahia came as a surprise because it was a huge match with huge expectation and atmosphere. I am glad I had another chance to experience the premier league and am so hopeful for many more in future assignments.

On targets as a point man
My playing position as a striker demands for goals upfront. Being new at the club with the demands for results comes with pressure but am taking my time because it is a new adventure and learning process. I belive once am well settled the goals will flow.

The striker concludes by thanking the boss for trusting in his abilities ; Am so grateful to the head coach for handing me top flight experience and my only way of thanking him is by doing what am entrusted to do upfront and I hope to soon do so”

Ponda who hails from Malindi joined the club from Ruiru Hotstars.

Gor Mahia beat Sofapaka 1-0 in an early Kick-off match at the Kasarani Stadium.

In an closely contested game, the host largely took control of the first half that earned them the all important goal while Sofapaka had a better second half in search for an equalizer that they narrowly missed out on. Addressing the press after the match, head coach Kennedy Odhiambo lamented on a poor first half as the difference on Saturday, this what the manager had to say;

On dropping points Gor Mahia
It feels sad we lost to Gor Mahia in a match we should have earned least a point from. It was a close encounter with numerous chances on our end unfortunately we were not clinical on our final third.

On went wrong against K’ogalo
Despite the result yesterday, we largely had a decent game. I feel we gave our opponents too much respect, space and time in the first half and this is what worked against us. We dominated the better part of the game more so in the second half but we were just unlucky not get a point out of the encounter.

On pressure on losing third match in a row.
Though early to call but definitely yes we feel some pressure because we had not anticipated for such results. We have dropped points in fixtures we should have collected but then we have room to correct and get results in our forthcoming matches, the boss concluded.

Jules Ulimwengu’s strike hands Sofapaka 1-0 defeat in Kasarani

Host Gor Mahia kicked off proceedings on a high note pressing Sofapaka at their own half for an early opener. Jules Ulimwengu and Austin Ochieng combined well to score the opener but Kevin Omondi was well placed to clear out danger

At the quarter hour mark, Gor attacked once again a dangerous through ball to Omalla by Austin proved challenging but Omalla’s final ball but lacked power to roll out for goal kick

Six minutes later K’ogalo took the lead through Jules Ulimwengu, the striker chipped the ball past onrushing Kevin Omondi after being set through by Austin Ochieng

At half hour mark Sofapaka almost leveled scores through David Kingatua. The midfielder pounced on Lawrence Juma’s delivery but his hard shot rattled the crossbar much to relief of a handful K’ogalo faithfuls at the stadium.

Five minutes before the interval, BatotoBaMungu came close yet again a quick counter attack on the left flank by Kingatua and Wilberforce Lugogo, the latter delivered on a low cross that met Juma but the former Gor Mahia player volley missed the target by a whisker with keeper Adama well beaten

Upon resumption head coach ken Odhiambo made a triple change, Titus Achesa, Said Stuma and Alex Imbusia came on for Ronack Otieno,David Kingatua and Wilberforce Lugogo, the changes proved effective with the Sofapaka dictating most of the proceedings.

At the half hour mark of the encounter Sofapaka had another opportunity on goal substitute Hansel Ochieng beat Frank Odhiambo off the ball, dribbled through on goal but his final tough went straight to keeper Adam’s hands.

Ten minutes later Batotobamungu who largely took control of proceedings came close to net the equalizer through Alex Imbusia, the former Vihiga United man goal bound curling shot got cleared back to play by Frank Odhiambo

Five minutes later Roy Okal came close to level scores, a long ball by Alex Imbusia to Okal the midfielder’s header was cleared off the line by custodian Adama to keep Gor in the lead.

Against the run of play Sofapaka made the last change in the game, Roy Okal came off for Robert Ponda the youthful striker came close but his final attempt missed the target from close range as Gor Mahia held firmly to bag the maximum points

Sofapaka will take on host Gor Mahia on Saturday 30th October in an early FKF Premier League kick-off fixture

Ahead the clash Saturday afternoon, the boss Ken Odhiambo held his press briefing and this what the coach had to say ;

On KCB defeat
We dropped points in a match I feel we should have collected maximum points from. We were largely the better side until the moments we went off our concentration levels that gifted the bankers the points.

On facing Gor Mahia
We are taking on a side that is currently enjoying a positive start into the season. We understand it will be a tough encounter but nonetheless we are upto task and I belive we shall have a good outing.

On pressure to avert two loses in a row
No not at all despite having started not as per our plans more so missing out on six maximum points in our past two fixtures. We have several games ahead and we are only starting, we work on keeping our focus on each game and we hope for positive results ahead.

The manager concluded his briefing with latest on team news, ” We have everyone in shape and in good condition ahead of tomorrow’s tie. We have no injury concerns neither illness.”

Gor Mahia will welcome Sofapaka on Saturday 30th October in round five of the FKF Premier League fixture.

Ahead of an exciting fixture to staged at the Kasarani Stadium below in a preview of all you need to know heading into Saturday noon match.

Last outing
In a closely contested duel in the reverse fixture, Jules Ulimwengu sole strike in the second half handed Gor Mahia maximum points in a slim 1-0 win over Sofapaka

KCB beat Sofapaka 2-1 in an entertaining FKF Premier League match at the Thika Municipal Stadium.

Two quick goals from Robison Kamura and James Mazembe twenty minutes from time earned were al important as KCB collected their first win of the season.

Sofapaka began the math on a high with an intent to get an early opener. Joe Waithera curled in a beautiful shot but Gabriel Andika was well placed to collect out the danger

Ten minutes later Alex Imbusia made a quick run down the left flank beat Robison Kamura off the ball but his finally delivery was not well connected by Wilberforce Lugogo for an easier pick for Andika

On the quarter hour mark, KCB made their first real attempt on goal, Derrick Otanga connected Harun Thomas’s cross but Kevin Omondi was well placed to punch out the danger

On the half hour mark, another attempt by the bankers came close to take the lead, Alembi Nahshon and Robinson Kamura combined well but the latter’s header went way above the crossbar

Five minutes before halftime breather, Hansel Ochieng and Lugogo Wilberforce combined strongly but Ochieng’s hurried shot narrowly missed the target.

Upon resumption the boss made a quick change, Alex Imbusia paved way for new substitute Jacob Onyango, a move that added power upfront and the new player on the pitch almost put us ahead but his header hit the the bar for a goal kick.

On the hour Sofapaka had another opportunity on goal, Joe Waithera dribbled past Robinson Kamura, but the midfielder’s final strike deflected off Alamebi for a pick by Gabriel Andika

Ten minutes later a costly mistake by keeper Kevin Omondi gifted the bankers goal scoring chance. Robinson Kamura stepped up hit a low shot that rattled the crossbar before brushing off Omondi’s leg to give the visitors the lead.

Ten minutes from time, Sofapaka came close to level scores. A beautiful delivery by Lugogo to Roy Okal but the midfielder failed to direct his tap in attempt on an empty net before Harun Thomas made a quick reaction to clear the ball back to play.

Six minutes on, the visitors doubled their lead through James Mazembe, the winger pounced on Mike Oduor’s cross to slot in past Omondi

Against the run of play Sofapaka pulled a goal back through Stephen Okola, the defender was well placed heading in David Kingatua’s delivery. Okola’s goal breathed life for BatotoBaMungu but their spirited attempts bore no fruit as the bankers held firm to collect maximum.

Sofapaka will host Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) on Sunday in round four of the FKF Premier League fixture.

Ahead of an exciting encounter on Sunday,we take a look at what to expect from both sides who will be on the hunt for maximum points having lost and drawn respectively from mid-week action.

Last outing
In a heated outing in the reverse fixture, Lawrence Juma’s 25 yard volley earned us all the points in 1-0 win over the bankers in a match played at Ruaraka.

Form
After opening three league matches Sofapaka sit eighth on four points while our opponents are 14th on two points respectively.

Numbers
Sofapaka and KCB have played 19 matches in total, Batotobamungu and the bankers won 11 and 4 matches respectively while four fixtures ended in draws.

Key men
Alex Imbusia and Joe Waithera will once again be tasked upfront while KCB will bank their hopes on Derrick Otanga and David Simiyu

The match is scheduled for Sunday at Thika Municipal Stadium.

Sofapaka will once again be at home to welcome bankers KCB in round four of the FKF Premier League fixture.

While addressing the clubs media,head coach Ken Odhiambo is upbeat ahead of bankers tie despite uncertainty on the availability of the new signings. This what the boss had to say;

On first defeat of the season
“We had a poor start into the game and our opponents took full advantage of our mistakes. Mathare loss was an easy one, I feel the players didn’t follow instructions and that costed us the match.”

On KCB duel
“It’s a normal match just as the rest, we’ve always had a close and exciting encounter between us and I expect the same come Sunday. We respect our opponents but we equally want to get something out of the match and the aim is clear that’s the three points.”

On preparations
“We had no time to rest after our first defeat of the season. Our preparations has been well and the players are equally looking syked up for the match. We remain hopeful that all we have worked on shall be implemented on match day”.

On the impact of missing out on the services of new signings
“It’s a frustrating situation because we can’t get to use some of our new players who are so key to us. The absence of the new recruits has costed us the last two fixtures and we only hope it’s sorted out soon”.
The boss concluded his presser by giving his sentiments on team news; “We have no injury concerns, we have a clean bill of health and we are good to go come Sunday.”

Mathare United beat Sofapaka 2-1 in an FKF Premier League match staged at Thika Municipal Stadium to hand BatotoBaMungu first defeat of the season.

Mathare United kicked off the match on a high tempo for an early opener. Their attempts bore fruit thirteen minutes into the match after dangerous corner kick delivery by Martin Ongori landed on Danson Kago’s path, the midfielder made no mistake to give the slum boys the lead from a close rang tap in.

Two minutes later Danson Kago was at it again. The former Sofapaka player doubled Mathare’s lead once again picking the ball from a poor clearance at the back to net in the second of the day for coach Ezekiel Akwana coached side.

Ten minutes later Sofapaka came close to draw a goal back in the match, David Kingatua’s long hard shot hit the cross bar for safety.

At the half hour mark of play Sofapaka pushed yet again and almost came close to scoring. Joe Waithera laid through Titus, the defender beat Meya off the ball took a low strike but Ochieng was keen punching off the attack.

Sofapaka increased tempo in attack once again, Alex Imbusia and Roy Okal combined well, the latter set through Waithera but the strikers attempt hit the set net.

Upon resumption for the final half, Sofapaka picked up from where they had left it for the breather, Alex Imbusia and Ambrose Sifuna made a good combination upfront, Imbusia would then take a hurried shot only to miss the target by a whisker.

On the half hour mark after a series of attempts Sofapaka final had their search pay off after Alex Imbusia was brought down in the penalty area. Joe Waithera stepped up and made no mistake slotting in past Job Ochieng to reduce the deficit.

Ten minutes later David Kingatua crossed in a checky ball on goal, David Nshimirimana dashed in but his header attempt lacked enough power for an easier pick for Job Ochieng

Against the run of play Sofapaka pushed bodies upfront in a bid to score the equalizer but a resolute Mathare United defense kept intact to collect the maximum points.

Matchday three of the FKF Premier League fixture takes center stage on Wednesday.

Sofapaka who come from a barren draw in Sudi will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways but have to face Mathare test who sit bottom on the log

Last outing
In the reverse fixture in Ruaraka, Mathare United pulled a late come back in an entertaining fixture winning 2-1.

Form
After a barren draw against Nzoia Sugar on matchday two fixture,Sofapaka sit fourth on the log while Mathare United are placed 15th having gone winless.

Numbers
In the past 26 league encounters, Sofapaka and Mathare have won 13 and five matches respectively while the eight other fixtures ended in draws.

Key men
With captain Lawrence Juma missing in the last fixture, Joseph Waithera, Alex Imbusia and David Kingatua will be key upfront while the slum boys will bank on new signing Ali Abondo, Clifford Alwanga and Daniel Otieno

Team News

Alex Imbusia – shoulder
Alex Imbusia picked up a shoulder injury in our last outing in Bungoma however the midfielder resumed light training on Tuesday and is being accessed ahead of Wednesday’s encounter

The match is scheduled for Wednesday