Maelo attributes Sofapaka upsurge to coach Baraza and team discipline

Sofapaka captain George Maelo has attributed the team’s recent upsurge to hard work, discipline and dedication from every player.

On Tuesday, Sofapaka thumped Mathare United 4-1 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani to register their fifth win on the bounce to move to third on the league standing on 23 points.

Maelo also took time to hail their new coach John Baraza noting that the good relationship harnessed between the tactician and the players has worked magic.

Baraza took over from American Melis Medo who left his role three months after his appointment.

Medo had only won one match in seven assignments, leaving the 2009 league champions 11th on the log with only seven points.

“We are determined to fight for the title. We have a great squad that can compete with any team in the Premier League,” he said: “We have to take each a game at a time, as we continue to build on our consistency.”

“Our coach understands each one of us and is always trying to get the best out of everyone and we are all happy working under him,” the defender added.

The defeat sealed back-to -back losses for Mathare and stretched their winless run to four matches despite them remaining top of the table.

Meanwhile Bandari FC coach Bernard Mwalala says his side is eyeing revenge against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday when the two sides clash at Kasarani.

Sharks beat the Dockers 1-0 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to be crowned the East Africa Super Cup champions and Mwalala says his players have to be at their best if they want to inflict a perfect revenge.

“They are a very strong side, they had their day in Tanzania and we are hoping we will have ours (on Saturday). For us to get the three points we have to bury every chance that we get, and be very disciplined in defending because they are very good on the break,”observed Mwalala.

The former Stars international is also hopeful that dependable striker Wyciffe Ochomo will be fit for the match.

“Ochomo had some stomach cramps but he will be fine by Wednesday, and fit for the sharks match,” Mwalala enthused.

After the midweek matches, 12-time champions AFC Leopards are officially in the relegation red zone.

Igwe have won two out of the 12 games played so far in the league and are now placed 17th with 10 points from 12 games, one point ahead of bottom side Mount Kenya United.