Okello, Kigonya back at Sofapaka
It is not business as usual at Sofapaka ahead of the 2022/2023 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League as the playing unit is now a blend of youth and experience.
Bato Ba Mungu have confirmed the signing of experienced Harambee Stars goalkeeper David Okelo from Mathare United, Ugandan international goalie Mathias Kigonya and immediate former Kariobangi Sharks defender Samuel Olwande who has had previous stints at Mathare United and even Harambee Stars.
Both Okelo and Kigonya are returning to Sofapaka after initially having stints at the 2009 league champions.
Apparently, the team has embraced continuity as it has roped in teenage wonder kid Maqbul Ocholla formerly of Jamhuri High School in Nairobi and another ex-school boy in goalkeeper David Obasanjo.
Head Coach David Ouma said he had to wrack his brains and subsequently deemed it fit to give the youngsters a chance at the big stage.
“I had been monitoring their (boys) progress in secondary school games before they sat for their O-Levels and was convinced that they are the ideal material to grow with Sofapaka. They are both talented and I hope to transform them into future stars,” said Ouma.
As for Kigonya, he re-joined the white and blue ensemble as a free agent after the expiry of his contract at Tanzanian moneybags Azam.
The Ugandan acrobatic goalkeeper joined Azam in January 2021 after confirming his exit from Forest Rangers of the Zambian Super League and played along with his international compatriot Nicholas Wadada for the ice cream makers.
Announcing the news of Sofapaka’s latest acquisitions, Head coach Ouma expressed optimism that Kigonya will bring the requisite experience in the team and especially given that he has been the understudy of Dennis Onyango at Ugandan national team, the Cranes.
“Kigonya still possesses the same agility he had when he was at Sofapaka before he moved elsewhere. We welcome him back to the Sofapaka family and I believe he will re-energize the club in the upcoming season,” said Ouma.
Sofapaka has cast their net wider outside Kenya’s borders as far as getting new players is concerned as they have landed the signature of versatile striker David Kasirye of Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA).
Also in the team’s ranks is former Western Stima and Gor Mahia striker Baron Oketch who has severed ties with Tanzanian top league side Biashara United.
Okech will be remembered for his hat-trick two years ago when he steered Stima to a 3-2 win over Gor Mahia in a league match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
