Sofapaka shopping for new signings in Rwanda

Sofapaka FC goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya reacts during their Kenyan Premier League match against Tusker FC on November 11. [Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com]

Sofapaka will not renew the contract of its first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya and are now pursuing Kigali Police ace, according to club president Elly Kalekwa.

Batoto ba Mungu finished fifth in the topflight league and will play Kariobangi Sharks in the final of SportPesa Shield at Kasarani tomorrow, where victory will see them represent the country in Confederation Cup.

Speaking to Standard Sports yesterday, Kalekwa revealed Sofapaka are targeting six signings ahead of the start of the league on December 8, with a top AS Kigali defender high on their list.

Standard Sports understands Sofapaka have been monitoring Kigali Police goalkeeper Danny Nduwayo together with AS Kigali defenders Sauteur Kanyumba and Shamiru Batte.

“Talks with AS Kigali and Kigali Police are at advanced stages, but one thing I can confirm is we will not be renewing Kigonya. We have mutually agreed to part ways with the goalkeeper,” Kalekwa said.

“We are in the market to strengthen the team and we are happy with our sponsors Betika who have stood with us during the concluded season.

“We play the final of FKF Cup and our focus remains to win the trophy. Thereafter, we hope to complete the signings,” he said adding that the players are motivated for the final given the disappointment of not winning the league.

Sofapaka signed a 3-year deal with gaming firm Betika two years ago, a partnership Kalekwa said has helped stabilised the club financially.

“It has been a mutually beneficial partnership and we look forward to enhanced relationship with Betika,” Kalekwa said.

Speaking during the unveiling of a jackpot winner yesterday, Betika Head of Commercial, Stanley Mwangi, praised Sofapaka for reaching the final adding that Batoto Ba Mungu’s success resonates with the gaming firm’s mentality.

“We wish Sofapaka the best in tomorrow’s final and also congratulate our jackpot winners Shako (Japhet) and Mugo (Peter). With Betika gamers can be sure of first class experience,”

Japhet Shako won Sh1,266,385.79 after placing a Sh100 bob bet while Peter Mugo walked home with Sh856,143.48 by placing Sh55 bob stake on pre-match.