)
The 2009 FKFPL champions have struggled for much of the season and find themselves lying perilously close to being relegated from the league ahead of their last league game of the season.
Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa remains confident that the club will retain its status in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League 9FKFPL), despite facing a tough relegation battle this season.
The Batoto ba Mungu have endured a tumultuous season, winning just eight, drawing nine, and losing 16 of their 33 games, which places them in 16th position and the relegation-playoff spot.
They will be facing Nzoia Sugar in the final game of the season knowing that a win will prevent them from avoiding automatic relegation, with Muhoroni Youth, who are 17th on 31 points, set to face Posta Rangers.
Sofapaka, promoted to the top league in 2009 and winners of the league title in their debut season, have never faced relegation.
)
07:30 - 23.05.2024
Sofapaka and other Kenyan sports entities whose assets were embarrassingly auctioned
Sofapaka became the latest entity to have their assets auctioned when the team bus was sold on Tuesday, but who else in Kenyan sports has suffered the embarrassing fate?
This season, despite significant signings, including the return of Burundian striker Fiston Abdul Razak and hiring Francis Haringingo as the head coach, the team found itself battling relegation after just the first 10 rounds of matches.
Kalekwa made several changes to the technical bench in response to the poor performance. Haringingo was replaced by former Kenya international Ezekiel Akwana, and later, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was brought in on an interim basis with Akwana demoted to deputy.
These changes initially seemed to stabilize the team's performance, lifting them from the bottom of the table.
Despite these challenges, Kalekwa remains unwavering in his belief that Sofapaka will avoid relegation.
)
15:12 - 21.05.2024
Relief for struggling ex-KPL champions as they agree broadcasting partnership with local network
The 2009 KPL winners have struck a broadcasting agreement with a local TV station that will see them air exclusive club content.
"We all know the season has not been good for Sofapaka. We have struggled by all means to get positive results, but I am not ready to accept that Sofapaka will be relegated," Kalekwa told SportsBoom.com.
"I don’t even want to imagine or think about it. It will not happen. Just go write it somewhere and we can talk after the final game of the season."
However, with two rounds of matches left, Sofapaka’s survival is not guaranteed. Yet, Kalekwa is adamant about the club's future in the top flight.
"Sofapaka can’t get relegated or even go down. It has never happened since we earned promotion in 2009, and it will never happen anytime soon. I am not losing my sleep because of relegation.
“Actually, I never even think about it because I am 100 percent sure it will never happen," he asserted.
Kalekwa acknowledges the tight race for survival, noting that teams from 12th place down to 18th are all at risk of relegation.
"If you look at the table, starting from Murang’a Seal, they are the only side safe for now. But from 12th down to 18th, anyone can be relegated. Ulinzi Stars can be relegated, Talanta can drop, Sofapaka can drop, Shabana can drop," he explained.
Despite the tension among the club’s faithful, Kalekwa remains optimistic.
"There is no team from position 12 down to 18 that can never be relegated. The league is that tight, and we must accept it. But I don’t need to panic nor worry about Sofapaka’s status because I know it will never happen. We will be celebrating staying up when we play our final game on Sunday," he concluded.
As Sofapaka approaches the final game of the season, all eyes will be on whether Kalekwa’s confidence in his team’s ability to avoid relegation will be validated.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)