Sofapaka coach Alves eyes league title

Sofapaka FC's John Avire jumps past Vincent Omumbo of Western Stima during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday, April 8, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Newly-appointed Sofapaka coach Divaldo Alves has set sights on winning the Kenyan Premier League title as they open their accounts today with a match against Posta Rangers, at Narok Stadium.

The ambitious Angolan-born Portuguese trainer, who has been with the team for the last two weeks since taking over from John Barasa (redeployed to assistant coach role), was unveiled yesterday in Nairobi alongside 11 new signings.

Though the former champions have lost several of their dependable players in the offseason transfer window, Alves believes the current squad has what it takes to end the club’s 10-year league title drought and return to the continental football.

“I want us to play continental football next year. We will be going for every available accolade this season,” said Alves.

“Definitely, our priority is to win the league title after 10 years of wait, but we also want to win everything.”

“I know the team has not won the league since 2009, but I am ready to say that we will do our best, put our blood on the pitch just to see the team win a title this season.”

And with the recent signing of a one-year renewable partnership deal with a Singapore-based Sports Company Living 3D Holdings Limited, the tactician is confident of helping Batoto Ba Mungu revive their lost glory.

“This is one great family and I’m very excited to be part of it. We have very good players in all positions and if we are able to gel fast, we will definitely be a force to reckon with this season,” warned Alves.

Just like their coach, new signings Allan Katwe, Brian Nyakan, Cersidy Okeyo Derrick Wafula, Djehani Yao, Timonah Wanyonyi, Juma Bechoni, Malunda Musa, Muhammed Kasirye, Peter Lwasa and Phillip Muchuma will all be praying for a winning debut at Sofapaka.

However, it will not be a walk in the park for Batoto Ba Mungu as Posta Rangers head coach, the experienced Sammy Omollo is also looking forward to make a winning return at Rangers.

Meanwhile, just like Alves, Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya has outlined the importance of a positive result ahead of his side’s season opener against Western Stima at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

“It is always important to start your season on a positive note,” said Muluya.