Elly Kalekwa: The Congolese who has revolutionised Kenyan football

President Sofapaka FC Elly Kalekwa with players during a training session in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

There is no doubt Sofapaka owner and ‘president’ Elly Kalekwa revolutionised and changed the face of Kenyan football.

When the flamboyant Congolese businessman entered the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) with Sofapaka (Sote kama Familia kwa Pamoja Kuafikia Azimio) in 2009, barely six years after the club’s formation, the top tier was in a different state.