Sofapaka head coach Ezekiel Akwana is overjoyed after leading his team to retain their FKF Premier League status. The achievement came after a crucial 1-0 victory over Naivas FC in the second leg of the promotion/relegation playoffs held on Sunday, July 14th, at Dandora Stadium. The win ensured that the 2009 Premier League champions will continue to compete in Kenya’s top football league.

Critical Second Leg Success

Building on First Leg Momentum

Entering the second leg with a 1-0 advantage from the first match, Sofapaka was focused on securing their place in the Premier League. The team needed to defend their lead while maintaining the pressure on Naivas FC, who had to score to stay in contention. Sofapaka’s strategy was to capitalize on their first-leg success and ensure a solid performance in the second match.

Kalama’s Decisive Goal

The turning point of the match came in the 43rd minute when Andrew Kalama scored, securing a 1-0 win for Sofapaka. Kalama’s goal, a result of a well-executed team play, not only cemented Sofapaka’s lead but also dashed Naivas FC’s hopes of promotion. The goal was crucial in securing Sofapaka’s place in the FKF Premier League for another season.

Akwana’s Reflections on the Victory

Praise for the Team

Speaking to the press after the match, an elated Ezekiel Akwana praised his players for their dedication and hard work. “We had to fight with everything to win this match and remain in the league. That is what the boys have done today, and I am very happy for all of us,” Akwana said. His appreciation for the team’s effort was evident as he reflected on the journey to retain their league status.

Managing Pressure

Akwana mentioned that he felt less pressure going into the second leg due to their performance in the first leg. “I was not under any pressure in the match. We won the first leg and went for a draw, so we only needed a draw in the second leg, but I am happy that once again we won to remain in the league, which is the most important thing.”

Future Plans: Eyeing the Title

Preparation for Next Season

With the immediate goal of avoiding relegation achieved, Akwana is already looking ahead to the next season. He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation to ensure that Sofapaka will compete for the league title rather than fight relegation. “We don’t want a repeat of this next season, so we will be preparing well with an aim of challenging for the title next season and not fighting relegation,” Akwana stated.

Departing Players

As Sofapaka looks to the future, Akwana took a moment to wish departing players well. Among those leaving are Darius Msagha and Jacob Onyango, both of whom played significant roles during the season. Onyango, who scored the crucial goal in the first leg, has been vital to their campaign. Akwana’s well-wishes highlight the strong team spirit and mutual respect within the squad.

Financial and Emotional Impact

High Stakes of the Playoffs

The promotion/relegation playoffs carry significant financial and emotional stakes. Retaining their place in the FKF Premier League ensures that Sofapaka will continue to benefit from the exposure, sponsorship opportunities, and revenue associated with top-flight football. For Naivas FC, the defeat means another challenging season in the National Super League (NSL), with its financial and operational difficulties.

Fan Support

The unwavering support of Sofapaka’s loyal fans has been crucial throughout this period. The victory was a relief not only for the team but also for the supporters who have stood by them. The fans’ steadfast support and encouragement have played a vital role in motivating the players and coaching staff.

Conclusion

Sofapaka’s successful retention of their FKF Premier League status is a testament to the determination, strategic planning, and hard work of the entire team, led by head coach Ezekiel Akwana. The 1-0 victory over Naivas FC in the second leg of the promotion/relegation playoffs has ensured that the 2009 Premier League champions will continue to compete at the highest level of Kenyan football. As they prepare for the next season, the focus will shift to building on this success and aiming for greater achievements.

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