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Sofapaka have not won the FKFPL title since 2009, but Akwana has made a sensational claim about their chance next season just after retaining their top flight status via the playoff.
Sofapaka interim coach Ezekiel Akwana has reflected on the season that was after surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth with a 2-0 aggregate win over Naivas last Sunday.
Sofapaka beat Naivas both home and away in the promotion and relegation playoff to consolidate a place in the league for next season, having endured a season of difficulty both on and off the pitch.
Aside from signing 18 players to the side before the start of the season, they also hired Francis Harigingio, a Burundian tactician, who was dismissed after just five games following a disastrous start to the season that saw them register just a point.
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06:39 - 15.07.2024
'I do not like fake people' - Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa tears into 'betrayer' Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno
Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa tore into Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno for allegedly absconding duty to and return to Gor Mahia at a crucial time for Batoto Ba Mungu.
They then appointed Ezekiel Akwana on an interim basis, and he had to try and stabilise the ship, overseeing the side from October till January, before experienced tactician Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was appointed in January to see them through the end of the season.
This was not without its drama, where around nine players were sent packing after boycotting training for failing to receive their wages in time.
Although Zico had his side bolstered with some additions that helped them get through to the end of the season, they were handed a transfer ban in April, which now means they will not be able to sign players, and given they lack a youth programme, it is hard to see how they will sustain themselves.
Zico then abandoned ship to join Gor Mahia ahead of the playoffs, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the club’s hierarchy, including President Elly Kalekwa, who described him as a “fake person” for the nature of his exit.
Now, Akwana has reflected back on the season.
“The journey has been tough. We started badly, did well midway through the season but ended badly again, so we had to put in everything to win the playoffs,” Akwana said.
“Having won the first match against Naivas, we were coming for a draw. We got a goal and won. I am naturally pleased for the boys' performances.”
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08:33 - 15.07.2024
Harambee Stars goalkeeper arrives in South Africa to complete major transfer
The experienced Kenyan goalkeeper is set to be the seventh signing for the highly-ambitious Premier Soccer League club.
Despite the upcoming challenges for next season, which include a transfer ban after former player Mussa Omar took them to FIFA citing breaches of contract, Akwana has made a sensational claim.
“We have to celebrate, but we will start thinking about the next season next week. We will start planning for next season and I am sure we will win the league," he added.
“We will celebrate this week. Next week, that is when we will start building for next season.”
Meanwhile, forward Darius Msagha is set to leave the club, having received offers from Tusker, Bandari and Shabana. Akwana appeared to give him his blessings, pledging to find a way to replace him.
“It is not bad. Everyone has a decision to make. If he decides to leave, well and good, but we will see. We are very good at scouting and I am sure we will be just fine”
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06:56 - 15.07.2024
Ayub Timbe: What is the real reason behind his quick goodbye to Azerbaijan?
Former Genk winger Ayub Timbe has left Sabail FK after a brief stint, thanking team and fans in heartfelt social media post.
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