Sofapaka’s tactician Ken Odhiambo has heaped praises on Stephen Okola’s performance at the heart of defence alongside David Nshimirimana, a partnership that has seen the team ship in fewer goals this season.Last season, Batoto Ba Mungu conceded 37 goals in 32 matches, averaging slightly over a goal per match while they have only conceded 17 goals in the 20 matches that they have played so far this season, less than a goal per match on average.From their conceding statistics last year, only Western Stima, Vihiga United, Mathare United, and Nzoia Sugar conceded more times than the Ken Odhiambo side, doing so 58, 47,47, and 38 times respectively.Okola has featured in all of Sofapaka’s matches this season, helping the team keep 8 clean sheets in the process.👏|Stephen Okola appreciation post⚽|21 matches under his feet⏰|1890 mintues clockedG.A|5th best defensive side with 17 goals conceded under his partnership with David Nshimirimana 💪|Okola has been so instrumental at the back.@betikaKe@OyandoRonny#BatotoBaMungu pic.twitter.com/hYY87p8AX3— Sofapaka FC (@FC_Sofapaka) March 12, 2022 In the current campaign, only Tusker, Ulinzi Stars, Gor Mahia, KCB, and Bandari have conceded less with 13, 15, 16, 17, and 17 respectively ranking Sofapaka fifth on the defensive record list.”The young lad has been so instrumental at the back and the team in general. Under his partnership with David Nshimirimana we have conceded few goals as compared to last season,” Odhiambo told the club’s media.Sofapaka will however be without the services of the defender when they play AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday as he will be nursing a groin injury he sustained in the one-all draw against Gor Mahia in midweek.35 SaveStephen Okola rises high to head out Felly Mulumba’s goal bound headerSofapaka 0-0 Bandari— Sofapaka FC (@FC_Sofapaka) January 4, 2022 Odhiambo is feeling the pinch of having one of his best players sidelined for the Cats derby and is hoping to have him ready for the match that follows against FC Talanta on Wednesday”He has really matured and it is such a pity that the groin injury sustained during Gor Mahia clash will have him sidelined for Sunday’s duel but we hope to have him on Wednesday against Talanta,” he added.
