Edward Manoah of Sofapaka attributes relegation from FKF Premier League to player departures
Batoto ba Mungu marked the initial victims of relegation this season following their 2-2 stalemate with Mathare United at Kasarani Annex, meaning they will compete in the National Super League (NSL) for the first time since ascending in 2009.
This result positioned Sofapaka at the foot of the 18-team league standings with 18 points collected from three victories, nine draws, and a substantial 18 losses.
Sofapaka stands alone in having suffered the most defeats in the top division, outpacing Bidco United and Ulinzi Stars, both with 14 losses each.
Manoah, arriving at Sofapaka a month earlier after departing Mara Sugar, has indicated that monetary difficulties and the departure of vital squad members amid the FKF mini-transfer window significantly contributed to the 2009 Kenyan title holders' descent.
‘Confidence had waned’
“Upon my arrival, the primary challenge I encountered was the diminished confidence among the players. It had sunk to alarmingly low depths, stemming largely from insufficient funds, which led to significant imbalances,” Manoah shared with Mozzart Sport.
“The squad made genuine efforts to attend sessions despite the circumstances and persevered, yet the financial constraints were a major factor. I praise them for their dedication amid such instability.”
Sofapaka, guided by Elly Kalekwa, will be noted for their debut season success in the top tier, securing the Premier League crown. Before their rise, they claimed the President’s Cup in 2007 while in the Nationwide League.
Manoah continued: “The midseason transfer period proved problematic as the team shed numerous key personnel. Lacking the means financially, they could not secure suitable substitutes to aid in avoiding the drop.
“Once we took over and evaluated matters, we began readying the team for what we anticipated, particularly the risk of relegation.”
Manoah cautions against dissolving the team
Nevertheless, Manoah remains optimistic that Sofapaka will secure prompt promotion back from the National Super League, similar to how Mathare United and KCB rebounded after their demotions.
“The outfit possesses a promising array of young talents, and if retained, they could establish a strong base for a quick Premier League comeback. I hope the leadership maintains the structure and avoids dissolution,” Manoah suggested.
“We have witnessed prominent sides like Mathare, KCB, and Bandari endure relegation, reorganise, and return more robustly, presenting Sofapaka with a chance to reconstruct.”
Sofapaka’s peak achievements encompass the 2009 KPL championship, two FKF Cup wins (2010, 2014), and two Kenyan Super Cups (2010, 2011), a heritage now in stark opposition to their present decline.
The Nairobi outfit etched a milestone in 2011 as the inaugural Kenyan team to oust an Egyptian club from a CAF tournament. In the CAF Confederation Cup’s second stage, Sofapaka triumphed 4-0 over Egypt’s Ismaily SC at Nyayo Stadium.
Following a 2-0 defeat in the Cairo opener, Sofapaka progressed with a 4-2 aggregate score. This success shattered the enduring “Egyptian curse,” where prior Kenyan efforts against Egyptian foes had faltered.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Sofapaka narrowly escaped relegation via playoffs to preserve their standing. They ended in the direct drop zone at 18th and faced Naivas FC.
Sofapaka prevailed in the two-match playoff 2-0 overall to retain their position. The previous year, they placed seventh with 46 points from 11 triumphs, 13 draws, and 10 setbacks.