Africa-Press – Kenya. Sofapaka head coach Ken Odhiambo has reiterated that his resolve to clinch the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title remains firmly entrenched in his new season’s agenda.
Odhiambo, who currently doubles up as the Harambee Stars assistant coach, confirmed that his charges had already reported for training and begun sharpening their claws in anticipation of a fruitful season.
And as a testimony of their deep urge to exorcise the ghosts that have haunted them and denied them silverware for the last 12 years, Odhiambo pointed out they had resolved to break sweat on the pitch at least three times a day.
“We have already intensified training ahead of next season. I’ve made it very clear to my team that they need to prepare themselves psychologically for three training sessions each day,” said Odhiambo.
Speaking exclusively to the Star during the FKF-PL gala awards on Tuesday evening, Odhiambo said their decision to intensify training was inspired by the burning desire to neutralise their opponents who presented cutthroat competition last season.
“It’s the only way to fend off the competition from our rivals. You saw how tough the league was and despite our determined efforts, we didn’t manage to achieve our objectives,” observed Odhiambo.
Odhiambo hinted at tinkering his line-up as he fervently gropes for the elusive winning combination that will deliver the ultimate goal.
“We intend to unveil quite a number of new faces at the end of the week,” he revealed
The German-trained gaffer linked up with Sofapaka in January from coastal side Bandari with an ambitious pledge to turn around the fortunes of the 2009 champions.
He kicked off his campaign on a promising note but his efforts to guide Batoto ba Mungu to their second title since 2009 came to a naught after the side blew hot and cold towards the end of the season to finish ninth on the log.
“I was delighted to join Sofapaka bacause their ambitions were so clear. When Sofapaka boss Elly Kalekwa talked to me, I felt it was a good opportunity to join and help achieve the set targets. His desires for the club to win the title were clear hence it was an easy decision to make. That still remains our objective to date,” said Odhiambo
Odhiambo, who had also previously coached Nairobi City Stars in the top flight, took over from John Baraza with former Harambee Stars ace Mike Mururi as his deputy.
Muiruri has since joined Vihiga United who will be battling for survival in the top tier at Ruaraka Grounds this weekend where they are set to face Kenya Police in the FKF-PL promotion/relegation battle.
Following his appointment, Odhiambo immediately overhauled the squad and created room for some of the top talent in the country, including Lawrence Juma who bagged 2020/2021 FKF-PL season’s midfielder of the year award.
The house cleaning exercise witnessed the departure of long-serving Sofapaka midfielder and captain Elly Asieche who found a new home at Wazito.
