Fast-rising Sofapaka forward Jacob Onyango has exuded confidence that Batoto Ba Mungu will retain their place in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.The 2009 champions have been struggling to post positive results since the beginning of the season, a run that increasingly puts the team at risk of relegation.Onyango joined Sofapaka two seasons ago after completing his studies at St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale.##NAJAVA_MECA_7848262##A fortnight ago, before the break that paved the way for Mozzart Bet Cup preliminary matches, Sofapaka defeated Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, to record their sixth win of the campaign.Additionally, the win saw the club move a point above the red zone and have 20 points to their name.Despite a rollercoaster opening half of the season, Onyango believes the second phase of the campaign offers a solid opportunity to avoid relegation and finish among the top ten teams.”We have had a rough first leg where it has been difficult to get maximum points in the preceding matches; however, if we can build on the win against Kakamega Homeboyz two weeks ago, I am confident we will avoid the chop and hopefully finish among the best ten on the table, he offered.Kipkirui promises to bang goals for fun after sealing move to HomeboyzSofapaka thrashed the KCB 3-0 in November 2023 when the two teams met, and on Saturday, they will renew their rivalry when they lock horns at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.The encounter will also see tactician Zedekiah Otieno face his former employers in what is expected to be a match filled with fireworks.A win for Batoto Ba Mungu will increase their safety chances as they will move a point within reach of the top ten brackets.”It’s not going to be an easy match considering KCB have not been doing well, and they will be seeking revenge on the 3-0 defeat and getting back to winning positions; nonetheless, we are well prepared, and we understand a win will boost our safety,” added Onyango.Trucha satisfied with Leopards performance in recent weeks, eyes more in remainder of the seasonOnyango, who was sparingly used in the past two seasons, has been enjoying uninterrupted playing time, which has seen the striker net twice and record an assist to his name.The one-time Africa Copa Coca-Cola top striker in 2018 has set a 10-goal target when the league culminates.”I am delighted with the playing time I am currently getting since the season commenced, which has improved my confidence compared to the past seasons. I am glad to have two goals and a goal contribution, and I am hopeful of at least netting eight more when the season closes,” he concluded.FKF PREMIER LEAGUE – WEEK 20SATURDAY1300: (1.83) Tusker (3.35) Bidco United (4.40)1500: (3.90) Kenya Police (3.05) Gor Mahia (2.00)1500: (5.00) Nzoia Sugar (3.35) Posta Rangers (1.72)1600: (3.30) Sofapaka (3.00) KCB (2.25)1500: Kakamega Homeboyz vs Muhoroni Youth.*Odds are subject to change*
