Bernard Mang'oli training with his team mates at Kamukunji Secondary School Ground. [Stafford Ondego/www.Sportpicha.co.ke]

Sofapaka have made yet another statement of intent of lifting the Kenyan Premier League by making another big name signing.

The club yesterday captured influential and experienced midfielder Bernard Mang’oli from AFC Leopards, handing him a two-year deal.

The signing of Mang’oli, coming days after Sofapaka beat Gor Mahia 2-0, is proof of their intensions to win the league as emphasised by club president Elly Kalekwa.

“Mangoli is a great player and we have been desiring to sign him for some time now. He puts us in good stead to make another stab at the title this season,” Kalekwa said.

This is the second time Mang’oli is playing for Sofapaka after featuring for the club in 2013. Sofapaka have shown great improvement this season after surviving relegation last year. Apart from Mang’oli, the club has also re-signed Abdulatif Omar, Willis Ouma and Hillary Echesa.

Sofapaka won the league for the first and last time in 2009.

After losing Mang’oli, Leopards are reported to be on the verge of re-signing Kepha Aswani and Mike Khamati.

Aswani is at Nakumatt while Khamati plays for Tusker.

Elsewhere, Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi has defended his early substitution of goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya during their goalless draw against AFC Leopards last weekend.

Kasaya was taken off just after the first half, a move he seemed not to have been happy with and protested by throwing his shirt on the ground.

“Kasaya was not playing according to instructions. He gave AFC Leopards confidence to press us and they made us play under pressure in the first half. When we introduced (Levis) Opiyo they could not cope with us in the second half because we were comfortable in possession,” said Kimanzi.

Apart from Kasaya’s poor show, Kimanzi said he was satisfied with the draw.

“A point is a plus for us after struggling for five matches. We have been dropping three points, but managed to put that to an end. It was a brilliant day for us because we played very well. It could have been better if we got three points,” said Kimanzi.

With the next fixture against Zoo Kericho slated for July 2, Kimanzi is keen on using the two weeks to integrate his new signings into the team.

“We have enough time to prepare for our next game and this gives us an added advantage to help the new players settle into the team. We are still rebuilding and I know we will come back stronger,” Kimanzi said.

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