FOOTBALL: Baraza reveals secret behind Sofapaka’s resurgence

Sofapaka FC Coach John Baraza during KPL match against oo Kericho FC at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday, Jan 27, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Sofapaka head coach John Baraza feels the decision to give his players freedom to express themselves on the pitch is slowly paying off.

The former Kenyan international has revatilised Batoto Ba Mungu since replacing his immediate former boss Melis Medo, who resigned on January 15, following a series of poor results.

Baraza is unbeaten in four the Premier League since taking over; winning three and drawing one.

Sunday’s 2-0 victory in Machakos over Kariobangi Sharks, who were enjoying a nine game unbeaten run before the fixture, saw the 2009 champions move into fourth place, level on points with Nzoia Sugar (17 points) — seven points off leaders Mathare United.

And now the four time KPL golden boot winner has credited his good relationship with the playing unit for Sofapaka’s recent resurgence.

“I have not changed much since I came in, but what we have done is to give the players more freedom to express themselves and now we see the results on the pitch.

“I think that is working for us because the players are not limited in their style of play,” Baraza was quoted on the club’s website.

With all unbeaten records in the league halted and only eight points separating the top six, Baraza believes Sofapaka can challenge for the title.

“When you look at the table, you see that teams are not that far from each other and it is still early in the season.

“We have a very good chance of closing on the gap and ours is to take each game at a time and post good results,” he said.