Purring Akwana backs Sofapaka to stage better show next season

Sofapaka caretaker coach Ezekiel Akwana has hailed his charges for retaining their Premier League status through a promotion play-off against NSL side Naivas FC.

Sofapaka, who finished FKF-PL at position 16, won with an aggregate of 2 - 0 after winning both legs by a solitary goal, with Andre Kalama scoring the all-important goal in the second leg, putting the match beyond reach for Collins Omondi-led charges - who came close to promotion after finishing third in the National Super League (NSL) behind eventual Champions Mara Sugar and runners-up Mathare United.

The former AFC Leopards midfielder is now a happy man after his charges managed to fight for their survival and remained in the top-tier league.

"My boys have made me proud; they did it right, and per the instructions, I was not under any pressure in the return leg; we knew we were coming for a draw after winning away in the first leg, but fortunately, we ended up winning again," said delighted Akwana.

After surviving the relegation axe, Akwana says they have to plan thoroughly to avoid finding themselves in the same situation come next season.

"We are taking a one-week off to allow the boys to celebrate this milestone. Next week, we will start focusing on the preparations for the new season.

“We want to get back our lost glory and stamp our authority by contending for next season's title", he stated.

"The journey has been tough, and though we had a lukewarm performance this season, I am happy the boys did it, and we are playing in the Premier League come next season. They had to work hard to win the two-legged play-off to remain in the League," he underscored.

Though he did not mention the area he is going to reinforce in the upcoming transfer window, he confirmed that some of the integral players could have played their last match for the "Batoto Ba Mungu" Elly Kalekwa-owned club.

"We already know what to do because we are aware of the players that are leaving. Every player has a choice and decision to make.

“Those that will leave, we are going to conduct a thorough scouting, and we will replace them."

He says that next season, he is going to give the budding players a chance to showcase their potential, for he has a number of youngsters who have proved that if they are given an opportunity, they can propel the team to greater heights.

"A player like our forward (Darius) Msagha has confirmed he is leaving. We are now planning for life without him, but I am sure we will find a replacement; in the meantime, we are going to build our forward line around the budding Andre Kalama, who has the potential to do well.

“This was his third start, and he has scored," he said.

First Captain Humphrey Ochieng Mieno, who joined Sofapaka from the Brewers, is delighted to remain in the League, though he admits that they faced numerous challenges that hindered their performance.

"A time like this last season while playing for Tusker FC was when we were hunting for two titles. A season later, you are fighting to avoid relegation, so as captain, it has not been easy for me."

He added, "Through these challenges, we have drawn some good experience, and this is what has helped us go through, and next season, we are playing in the Premier League, and we are ready to roll again."

This is the first time Sofapaka (Sote kama Familia kwa Pamoja Kuafikia Azimio) is finding themselves fighting for their life in the Premier League after they got promoted in 2009 and went all the way to win the League title in their debut season, overpowering the Kenyan football powerhouses such as defending Champions Mathare United, Thika United, and Tusker FC who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

It's not yet clear if club President Elly Kalekwa will hunt for another coach or if he will promote Akwana to the position of head coach to fill the void that was left by Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, whom he deputized.

Zico joined FKF-PL Champions Gor Mahia as an assistant coach to the newly appointed Leonardo Martins Neiva, who signed a two-year contract with K'Ogalo.