Francis Mureithi
7 November 2009
Nairobi — Sofapaka made history on Saturday by becoming the first team to win Kenya's top club competition in their maiden year. They clinched the Premier League after an emphatic 3-0 victory against Red Berets at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Afraha stadium, which has not witnessed such a big football crowd, estimated at more than 10,000, was turned into a dancing venue as hundreds of Sofapaka fans flocked the pitch to join their players in celebration.
The game started in earnest and Red Berets were the first to test the waters. Their striker Joseph Asuza unleashed a long range shot in the sixth minute which went over the cross bar.
And as Sofapaka pitched tent at the Red Berets' back yard, John Baraza, who is the league top scorer notched the match opener. He collected a loose ball inside the box in the 21st minute and side-stepped his marker, before firing a fierce left foot shot past stranded goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya.
Moments later, Berets would have cancelled the goal when Brian Masiola entered the Sofapaka danger zone, but his snap shot went over the cross bar.
Red Berets were punished by Sofapaka for missing this open chance when Congolese import Bob Mugalia rolled dangerously on the right wing and released a well weighted cross to Patrick Kagogo. Kagogo fired from the top of the box for goalkeeper Kasaya to block before John Baraza pounced on the rebound and brought his league tally to 15, the highest.
In the 70th minute Berets were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Spot kick Joseph Asuza saw his kick blocked by goalkeeper Wilson Oburu. Two minutes from the end, second substitute Tafadzwa Dondo scored from outside the 18 mark with a blockbuster which beat the overworked Berets goalkeeper.
Retain the trophy
Sofapaka will now represent the country in the CAF Champions League next year. "We were simply the best team in this year's league and right from the word go we knew this was our trophy and thank God today in Nakuru we have realized our dream, " Sofapaka coach Robert Matano.
He added: "It was team work all the way, from the management to the technical bench and this has seen us bag our first trophy in our first attempt in the KPL league and we would like to assure our fans that we shall retain the trophy come next season,"
He said his next game plan is to reinforce all the department in readiness for the continental assignment come next year. Assistant coach Bob Ogolla said the league was very competitive right from the word go and their match against Red berets was tough as each minute in the game counted a lot.
"We needed the three points and not a draw as most of the people thought. We thank God that we have made it" said Ogolla. Red Berets coach Caleb Okuku said they were playing under pressure and following their big loss it now means they must win their last match against Nairobi City Stars away and hope Bandari falter in their remaining match in order for them to survive the axe. "Sofapaka deserved to win this game and indeed the league as they have been very consistent ' said Okuku.
Line-up:
Sofapaka - Wilson Oburu, Kevin OluochmHashem Mukwana, Michael Kamadai, Tumba Kilonzo, James situma (captain), Abdulrazak Hussein, Evans Wandesra, Bob Mugalia, Patrick Kagogo, John Baraza.
Red Berets - Wyclife Kasaya, Esau Wasike, Goeffrey Otieno, Samuel Kiarie (Captain), Dick Ojwang, Eric Ochieng', Daniel Waeru, Joseph Asuza, George Maelo, Brian Masiola, Edwin Oduor.
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