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The former Harambee Stars, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tusker midfielder has opened up on the tough year it was back at Sofapaka.
Former Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars midfielder Humphrey Mieno has reflected on a tough year that was having decided to make a return to Sofapaka after leaving Tusker on a free transfer in 2023.
Mieno, who boasts over a decade of experience playing both locally and abroad, found himself navigating the highs and lows of football in a very short span.
Mieno’s return to Sofapaka marked a stark contrast to his previous season, where he was vying for the league title and cup double with Tusker. Instead, he found himself fighting for survival in a relegation battle with Sofapaka, a situation that was unfamiliar territory for the seasoned midfielder.
“It was a difficult first season back at the club. The season before with Tusker, I was fighting for the double, and then the next season, I was battling relegation. On one side, confidence was high and then the next, bereft of confidence. We even found ourselves in a relegation playoff which I had never found myself in before,” Mieno shared in an interview with Passion Sports.
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Reflecting on the challenges, Mieno emphasized the difficulty of adjusting to a young and inexperienced squad at Sofapaka. “Most players had also never experienced this high level before. Very youthful. It was therefore hard to deal with such a situation. We also tried pushing as hard as we could. It was difficult dealing with constant losses,” he added.
Mieno's return to Sofapaka, where he spent his formative years before moving to AFC Leopards in 2014, came after over a decade of playing for other clubs both locally and abroad. He explained why he chose to return to the Elly-Kalekwa-owned club.
“Sofapaka is like home. Once I got the call after I left the club, I decided to take it up because we had a good team before the challenges, but it was an easy decision,” Mieno said.
He continued, “I contemplated retiring or taking a sabbatical but realized it would be a cowardly way out. I believe things will be better. It was not an easy decision. Going back home, people would even tell me I was beaten, but I decided to push on if we can get together.”
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Mieno’s departure from Tusker in 2023 came as a surprise to many, including the player himself. Despite opening talks with the club about extending his stay and even discussing a potential post-playing career position, Mieno was eventually released without a clear explanation.
“Leaving Tusker is something I have also not really understood. I did not get a definite answer from the management,” Mieno revealed.
“On one hand, we were discussing my future and the possibility of staying around for much longer, maybe even a post-playing career position. We discussed it and then all of a sudden, they chose a different route. It was surprising. It is water under the bridge. I accepted it and moved on. In these circles, you never know. You might cross paths again.”
Mieno, known for his leadership qualities, was vocal in advocating for his teammates’ rights at Tusker. One notable incident involved the delayed payment of prize money after the team won the league title in the 2020/2021 season. The situation, Mieno suggests, may have contributed to his unexpected exit from the club.
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“It could have played a part. Sometimes, if you are fighting for your rights, you could be accused of conspiring to destroy harmony. As a captain, it is your responsibility to take such things up with the management because all the players take it up with you,” Mieno explained.
“That payment pended for over nine months, and they kept giving us excuses about the legal team following it up because the signatories were changing, maybe it played a part in my exit.”
As Mieno prepares for another season with Sofapaka, he remains focused on overcoming the challenges ahead and helping the team navigate the difficulties of a transfer ban. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Batoto Ba Mungu aims for a more successful campaign.
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