Sofapaka have moved quickly to reshape their squad as new coach Medo Melis sets his sights on a title challenge in the 2018/2019 season.
The Egyptian-born, now American, coach took over from interim boss John Baraza a fortnight earlier and has already brought in nine players. Among the new arrivals are Burundian goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana from DR Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo and Rwanda defender Soter Kayumba.
The club has also added former Nakumatt players Faina Jacobs, Tom Adwar and John Avirre, along with left back Titus Achesa from Posta Rangers, winger Ibrahim Kajuba, and goalkeepers Richard Aimo from Chemelil Sugar and Isaiah Wakasala from Ushuru.
Sofapaka, the 2009 champions, finished fifth last season but have since let go of nine players. Those who have left include Ugandan goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, who joined Kakamega Homeboyz, Wycliffe Kasaya, who moved to Posta Rangers, and Kevin Kimani, Timothy Luda, Rodgers Aloro and Ezekiel Okare, who went to Tusker and Ulinzi Stars respectively.
Bernard Mang’oli has also signed for promoted Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), while Reuben Juma and Edmond Kwanya were not retained. The club is also expected to lose Kenya Under-23 midfielder Teddy Osok, whose season-long loan from Gor Mahia ended last month and who is rumoured to be heading to Wazito.
Melis said he was encouraged by the quality in his squad after Sofapaka beat Ruiru AllStars 6-0 in a preseason friendly at Ruiru stadium on Thursday.
“I like the players, they are all talented and hungry to represent Sofapaka and more so, play for me, I am happy to have them,”
He added that the team was still building chemistry and adjusting to a new culture, stressing that success would come through patience and steady progress.
“Trophies will come but you’ve to work for them, everybody is expecting something, we need to be patient and ask how we can get there, if we play decent football goals will come plus the three points, in the end we will be top of the table but its one step at a time.”
Sofapaka begin the transitional campaign against Melis’s former employers Mount Kenya United, formerly Nakumatt, on December 8 at Ruaraka grounds. The coach said he is hoping for minimal injuries as the season gets underway.
Ndikumana, who has already impressed the coach, said he wants to help Sofapaka win the title and improve on Kigonya’s contribution.
“If he (Kigonya) was doing better here then I will do even more, it’s in itself a motivation to work harder,”
