By mid-April, Sofapaka had been served with a notice of a transfer ban for failing to meet the end of the bargain with two foreign players.Burundian internationals; Moussa Omar and Fiston Razak reported the club to FIFA over breach of contracts and consequently, Sofapaka were to clear with the duo so as to register new players.Months later, the club is yet to comply just days to the start of the 2024-2025 Football Kenya Federation Premier League.Club Chief Executive Officer Ronald Okoth says the management is working round the clock to have the ban lifted before the end of the week but there seems to be no white smoke coming from the club.##NAJAVA_MECA_8290102##“The biggest challenge we have is lack of funding. We are however trying our best to solve our issues before the start of the new season,” he said.It remains to be seen whether the team will succeed in beating the deadline set and register the new players who have been training with the rest.There were hopes that the struggles, that nearly cost them their top-flight status, in the last campaign would trigger changes aimed at reclaiming the past glory but it appears Sofapaka did not learn their lesson the hard way.Brief history and predicted finish in the new seasonSofapaka’s journey as a professional club began in early 2004 even though records indicate that prior to that, the team had been in existence for a couple of years back as a Church team; Maos Ministries Church to be precise.Three years after Elly Kalekwa took over and remains the boss up to date.The club gained promotion to the top tier in 2009 and would win the league in their debut season under coach Robert Matano.Before promotion, Sofapaka had won the President’s Cup in 2008, an equivalent of the Mozzart Bet Cup to date.Homeboyz chairman Shimanyula compares Shikanda’s AFC Leopards to ArsenalCommonly known as Batoto ba Mungu, Sofapaka have always been competitive save from last season and in 2016 when they survived relegation by a whisker.Last season, the team finished third from bottom and had to win a two-legged promotion/relegation playoff, against National Super League side, Naivas FC, to remain in the top tier.Given the situation at the club, especially on finances and player transfer ban that is yet to be resolved, the club will likely struggle again.TransfersDespite the ban, the club has managed to attract players, including foreigners, who have been training, awaiting for green light from Zurich, Switzerland to sign their deals.Former skipper and Burundian David Nshimirimana is among the foreign players who have been training with the club.Due to the scarcity of funds and lack of depth in the squad, Sofapaka opted to recall all the players who were loaned out last season.Jacob Onyango headlines the players who opted for greener pastures after the conclusion of the season.FKF-PL Preview: Coming season holds promise for AFC LeopardsThe striker joined Tusker after cutting links with Sofapaka.Ojuok confident despite the challengesThe situation at Sofapaka easily casts doubts over their survival in the league but goalkeeper Levi Ojuok believes that the financial challenge is a passing cloud.The custodian is certain that Sofapaka will roar again once the dust settles.“The club will rise again for sure. We are looking forward to a good start on Saturday,” he briefly told Mozzart Sport.First five fixtures and potential challenges in the new seasonThe former champions will open the season with a clash against Tusker on Saturday, a match which will see coach Robert Matano come up against his former side.They will take on the Mildred Cheche-led FC Talanta in the subsequent match before taking on returnees Mathare United in the third match.Sofapaka are scheduled to play Bandari and Nairobi City Stars in weeks four and five respectively.Ten players eyeing comeback, redemption in new FKF PL seasonAs indicated above, the club is struggling to make ends meet and this is likely to persist unless they secure commercial partners.The grants they will receive from the league’s broadcast partners are not enough to sustain a successful campaign.If the situation does not improve, players downing their tools and leaving even before the off-season window closes or in January remains a possibility.The club is yet to replace its auctioned bus and this means, travelling will also be a challenge too.
