Sofapaka FC will aim to end their 2023/24 season on a positive note when they face Naivas FC, a National Super League (NSL) side, in an FKF-PL promotion playoff at Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Ezekiel Akwana acknowledged that the 2009 champions had a disappointing season, finishing 16th out of 18 teams in the Premier League.
They now have a lot at stake against Naivas, who secured the playoff spot by finishing third in the NSL with 76 points, just ahead of Nairobi United, who clinched their place with a 1-0 win over SS Assad in Ukunda last week.
“We had a poor start this season and it took a lot of effort to escape relegation by the close of the regular season. We now have one more test, as we strive to keep our Premier League status. We will give everything to achieve it,” said Akwana.
Veteran Sofapaka midfielder Humphrey Mieno has admitted that it will be a difficult match, but they are to win and keep their Premier League spot.
“We know Naivas is a good team and has the motivation to try to enter the Premier League, but we also want to stay in the top division. We will face them with the zest and zeal, and we believe we will succeed,” said Mieno.
Naivas FC coach Collins ‘Korea’ Omondi has said he is confident of sealing promotion to the Premier League.
“The only setback is that I will miss my very influential striker Derick Anami. We will see how to fill his void, which is a challenge for other to rise to the occasion in this so important timing of the season,” Omondi said.
The second leg of the playoff has been set for July 14.
