This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
On Friday, January 3, 2020, Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Sofapaka unveiled 11 new players, marking a significant boost to their team ahead of the league's resumption.
The new signings include experienced players and budding talents, such as 16-year-old Wisdom Naya from St. Anthony's Boys, Kitale. The team has also signed players from outside the country, including Ghanaian duo Jedinak Ameyaw Nana and George Owusu, and Cameroonian midfielder Joel Noukueu.
Speaking during the unveiling, Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa expressed optimism about the new signings, stating, "Obviously, we wanted to explore new avenues hence the enlisting of young players for the sake of continuity and especially given the rigours of the league. The technical bench has done a good job thus far and we deemed it fit to empower it more by invigorating the playing unit."
Betika Marketing Manager Jacky Tonui also expressed satisfaction with Sofapaka's performance during their two-year partnership, adding, "We reaffirm our commitment to supporting football talent in line with our deliberate policy to give back to society. I hope the new recruits will add value to the team and we wish them the best of luck."
The team's coach, John Baraza, described the development as a dawn of a new era, reckoning that the new players have the willpower and zeal to take the team to a new level.
