Sofapaka coach dispute go-slow over salaries delay

By Gilbert Wandera

NAIROBI, KENYA: Sofapaka coach David Ouma is saying all is well at the club despite reports of a go-slow due to delayed salaries.

Ouma claimed on Friday the reports were blown out of proportion and insisted his players are focused on today’s match against Homeboyz at Nyayo National Stadium.

“At no point did the players contemplate downing their tools. We’ve been focused the whole week and we view such reports as meant to derail us.

“The management is dealing with the welfare of the players and everyone is happy at the moment,” he said.

Media reports indicated last week that Sofapaka players had threatened to go on strike to protest at delayed salaries. The team is sponsored by East African Portland Cement.

At the same time, Sofapaka will be without goal scorer John Baraza when they take on Homeboyz this afternoon.

Barasa has been given a sick off after contracting a flue this week, ruling him out of the match.

Ouma said they are disappointed to be without the scorer, but his absence will be covered up by the return of Bob Mugalia who has recovered from injury.

“We are glad that Mugalia is back after being out with injury. We worked on him well this week and he is fit to lead the attack against Homeboyz,” Ouma said.

Ouma has also named back-left defender John Njoroge in his starting line-up for today’s match. Njoroge sat on the bench when the team played Nairobi City Stars two weeks ago in a match they won 3-1.

Elsewhere, troubled Ulinzi Stars coach Salim Ali has called for patience with the team’s striking force which he points out has failed to utilise their chances in the last few matches.