Purring Sofapaka under the good Barry wants to win the title again

Sofapaka is confident of landing a second Kenya Premier League (KPL) title as the club marks its 15th anniversary this year.

Head coach John Baraza who scored a title winning brace in their 3-0 win over Red Berets in 2009, believes nine is their lucky number and a title after a decade would not be too much to ask for.

Speaking after dismantling Chemelil Sugar 3-0 at the Chemelil Sports Complex, Baraza said their fans should expect something special this term.

“History repeats itself. This is 2019and that was 2009; it means nine is our lucky number. So let’s work and pray, at the end of it all we will be happy,” said the former Batoto Ba Mungu goal sniffer.

Similar sentiments were shared by skipper Stephen Waruru who slotted home the second goal as they thumped Chemelil to move to 30 points, two adrift leaders Bandari.

“I feel this is a special year to us [Sofapaka], because it is ten years since we last won the league. And after every ten years you must gauge yourself. I believe this year we will win something, most importantly if we manage to maintain the high spirit in the team,” charged the former Ulinzi Stars hit man.

Baraza insists his side is equal to the task and will take the bull by the horns downplaying the need for reinforcements in the just opened mid season transfer window.

“We are good. We have guys recovering from injury. Our team is good to go for it. We don’t plan to sign in the mid season transfer window,” he said.

Brace hero Piston Mutamba revealed the competition to don the match day shirt is intense even as coach Baraza ruled out going into the transfer market to fish out new talents.

“This is the first game this season that I have played the full 90 minutes. The competition is very stiff. If you play well or you don’t score you will definitely find yourself benched. But I thank God I have rediscovered my scoring touch,” said Mutamba whose starring role handed him the man of the match award.

Sofapaka beat defending champions Mathare and favourites Tusker FC to the 2009 title in their maiden attempt in the Kenyan elite division, current coach John Baraza’s brace masterminding a 3-0 demolition of Red Berets before the latter’s unbelieving fans.

In that season, Baraza went on to finish joint top scorer with Tusker’s Joseph Emeka on 15 goals, a tally which saw him bag the player of the season accolade.