Sofapaka stand-in coach Ezekiel Akwana has warned his side against underestimating National Super League (NSL) entity Naivas when they face off on Sunday in the second leg of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) promotion/relegation playoff at Dandora Stadium.Akwana has maintained that Batoto Ba Mungu will go out guns blazing to retain their top-flight status after winning the first-leg encounter 1-0 last weekend at Police Sacco Stadium.Jacob Onyango’s late strike handed Sofapaka the edge, but Akwana insists they will not rest on their laurels.”We will not just sit back because we are ahead on aggregate. Our mission is clear: stay in the Premier League. We’re going all out for victory,” he offered.The 2009 Kenya Premier League (KPL) are fighting to avoid relegation after finishing 16th in the FKF Premier League with 36 points.In contrast, Naivas FC eyes promotion to the FKF Premier League, a maiden appearance after finishing third in the National Super League (NSL) with 76 points, behind Mathare United (82) and Mara Sugar (84).The second leg of the #FKFPL promotion playoff comes up this Sunday. 📍 Dandora Stadium⏰ 3 pm✅ Will Sofapaka beat the drop? ✅ or will Naivas FC earn their maiden promotion to the top tier? pic.twitter.com/e8X1xAqqAE— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) July 12, 2024 Nixon Omondi confident in Naivas’ maiden promotionAkwana acknowledged their opponents as worthy competitors. “Naivas is a strong and highly motivated team. We’re not taking our advantage for granted,” he added.Sofapaka’s experienced skipper, Humphrey Mieno, echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s readiness for the decisive clash.“We are ready for the clash—physically and mentally. The coach has prepared us on how to neutralize any threats from our opponents,” Mieno said.The ever-green Mieno rallied fans to come out in large numbers and cheer them to victory. “This is a big game for us. It’s a final that will decide our fate in the Premier League. We call on our fans to turn up in large numbers and support us to get the victory.”The retailers will be keen to become the first team from the second tier in the past three years to overturn a top-flight side and earn promotion to the big stage.CECAFA Kagame Cup: Gor Mahia seek redemption against Djibouti TelecomMurang’a Seal and Migori Youth are some of the sides that have endured painful eliminations at the hands of Muhoroni Youth in the previous two seasons, missing out on premier league slots.If the aggregate score of the match is tied after regular time in the second match, the team with the greater number of away goals will be declared the winner.However, if the teams are tied on both aggregate and away goals, the match will proceed to penalties. The winner of the shootout will secure a place in next season’s top tier.##NAJAVA_MECA_8210017##
