Sofapaka unveil new players as league action resumes

Sofapaka FC unveis new players at Eastleigh High School on Friday 3, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Sofapaka has strengthened their team with 11 new players unveiled yesterday.

Sofapaka not only signed experienced players but also landed the signatures of some budding ones among them 16-year-old Wisdom Naya from St. Anthony’s Boys, Kitale.

They have also signed players from outside the country including Ghanaian duo of Jedinak Ameyaw Nana and George Owusu and Cameroonian midfielder Joel Noukueu.

Speaking during the unveiling of the new players at the team’s training ground at Eastleigh High School ground, Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa said this is the first time since the team’s inception that they are getting the services of youthful players and expressed optimism that the venture will yield good results.

“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,” Kalekwa said.

Betika Marketing Manager Jacky Tonui expressed satisfaction with the Sofapaka’s performance during the two-year span the firm has partnered with them, adding that they feel honoured to be part of the team during the transition period.

“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,” said Tonui.  

The team’s coach John Baraza described the development as a dawn of a new era and reckoned that the new players have the willpower and zeal to take the team to a new level.

Others players unveiled include Collins Wakhungu, Thomas Wainaina, and George Owusu.