Sofapaka have KPL title in mind after reinforcement

Sofapaka FC gave the clearest indication on Wednesday that they intend to hit their title-winning heights of old when they paraded 13 new signings ahead of the second leg of Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The air at the Eastleigh High School Grounds where the new faces were unveiled had the feeling of a club suddenly ready to push for the title and now that depth in squad will be tested on Sunday against the league’s frontrunners.

Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa will hope to have found his best starting XI when the Batutu ba Mungu host record champions Gor Mahia FC who are fresh from winning the inaugural Super Cup.

Having collected 20 points from 13 outings, Ssimbwa’s charges lie seven points adrift leaders Gor and while the Ugandan acknowledged their opponents are a ‘big club’, they pose no fear factor to his side.

“We respect Gor Mahia because they’re a big team but we don’t fear them. I’m happy for our sponsors and our president for helping us get these new players. They have the right blend of youth and experience and they sure are going to bring more depth to our side.

“We may not use all of them at the same time but in them I see a talented group that will be beneficial for this club over many years,” Ssimbwa said.

The Ugandan tactician recognized there has been dramatic progress at the club that magically survived relegation last term when they stayed up only on goal difference at the expense of Ushuru FC.

This season, they are only two wins away from equaling their points tally for their entire 2016 campaign.

Club President Elly Kalekwa tossed the ball back to the court of the technical bench saying they expect exceptional results following the heavy investment.

“We’ve done everything required of the management and what remains is upon the technical bench to deliver. We’ve met their demands and so the task is on their hands.

“Our season has started well but we want more. The challenge is not only to sustain that momentum after the league break but to go on and mount a challenge at the title,” the official that is never far away from flashy underscored.

SOFAPAKA FC NEW SIGNINGS

1. Femi Ali (Uganda Revenue Authority)
2. Willis Ouma
3. Hillary Echesa (Chemelil Sugar)
4. Umar Kasumba (SC Villa)
5. Rodgers Aloro (Simba, Uganda)
6. Timothy Luda (Thika United)
7. Meshak Karani (Bandari)
8. Wesley Onguso (Western Stima)
9. Abdulatiff Omar (Kakamega Homeboyz)
10. Marvin Otinya (Palos)
11. Ricky Onimbo (Wazito)
12. Hansel Ochieng (Jericho All Stars)
13. Vincent Owondo (Academy)

-Report by Gilbert Kiprotich.