Sofapaka Drop from FKF Premier League with Gor Mahia Nine Points Ahead
Batoto ba Mungu reached the end of their top-tier stay after a 2-2 stalemate with Mathare United at Kasarani Annex, meaning they will compete in the National Super League (NSL) for the first time since gaining promotion back in 2009.
In a match Sofapaka had to triumph in to maintain any slim chance of staying up, Meshack Ochieng and Malick Ntamba found the net for them, yet it proved insufficient as the Slum Boys hit back through Isaac Omweri and John Mark Makwatta to split the spoils.
This result saw Sofapaka stuck at the foot of the table on 18 points from three victories, nine stalemates, and a massive 18 losses. They stand alone in having the most defeats, with Bidco United and Ulinzi Stars next on 14 losses each.
Sofapaka Entered Elite Division in 2009
Under Elly Kalekwa's guidance, Sofapaka will be recalled for storming into the top division by claiming the Premier League crown in their inaugural season. Before that rise, they had lifted the President’s Cup in 2007 while in the Nationwide League.
Their peak years featured the 2009 KPL championship, a pair of FKF Cup wins (2010, 2014), and two Kenyan Super Cups (2010, 2011), achievements that now stand in stark opposition to their present decline.
The club from Nairobi etched a milestone in 2011 as the initial Kenyan team to knock out an Egyptian outfit in a CAF tournament. In the CAF Confederation Cup's second stage, Sofapaka beat Egypt's Ismaily SC 4-0 at Nyayo Stadium.
Having gone down 2-0 in the opening leg in Cairo, they progressed with a 4-2 overall score. This success shattered the persistent Egyptian jinx that had thwarted Kenyan sides against Egyptian foes before.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Sofapaka barely escaped demotion by navigating the play-offs to secure their place. They had ended in the direct drop zone at 18th and were matched against Naivas FC.
Sofapaka claimed the home-and-away play-off 2-0 in total to retain their spot. The previous year, they placed seventh on 46 points from 11 triumphs, 13 draws, and 10 setbacks.
FKF Media Officer Jeff Kinyanjui lamented the drop. He stated: “The descent of Sofapaka to the NSL signals the close of a challenging period for Batoto ba Mungu, yet it is likewise a time to contemplate an impressive path under Kalekwa, who has steered the team for more than 17 years from its start.
“Over 17 years in charge is a significant accomplishment. Thus, as Sofapaka embarks on this hard downgrade, admiration is warranted. I commend Kalekwa for his direction and determination. Brighter days await Sofapaka.”
Besides Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, FC Talanta, and Bidco United risk the same fate. These sides are level on 35 points with four games left to wrap up the campaign.
Gor Mahia Lead by Nine Points
The multiple-time champions Gor Mahia stayed on track to wrest the crown from Kenya Police FC by overcoming Kakamega Homeboyz, extending their advantage to nine points atop the 18-team standings.
Gor Mahia entered the encounter lifted by their 1-0 success over foes AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji derby. A self-goal from Homeboyz's Peter Thiong’o sufficed to give K’Ogalo their 19th success this term.
This victory lifted Gor Mahia to 64 points, nine ahead of runners-up AFC Leopards, whose game versus Ulinzi Stars was deferred.
Gor Mahia face four remaining outings against Kenya Police, Murang’a Seal, Mara Sugar, and Nairobi United. AFC Leopards, meanwhile, meet Ulinzi Stars, Mara Sugar, Homeboyz, APS Bomet, and Bidco United.