Sofapaka FC has fired back at Bandari FC head coach Ken Odhiambo after his explosive post-match remarks following Saturday’s game in Mombasa, where Bandari claimed a 1-0 victory.Odhiambo, who once managed Sofapaka, launched a scathing attack on his former club, accusing them of providing substandard balls for the match.He argued that such poor-quality balls diminish the overall value of the FKF Premier League.##NAJAVA_MECA_8702905##“And then the quality of balls that teams are providing for matchday, balls from supermarkets, and you want them used for a Premier League game? What kind of a Premier League is this that we are playing using supermarket balls?” Odhiambo stated during an interview with Tata Sports.Beyond the equipment criticism, Odhiambo also took a swipe at Sofapaka’s financial troubles, claiming that their inability to pay players and staff for months reflects the club’s inadequacy in participating in the top tier of Kenyan football.“If your team doesn’t have money to buy quality balls, then you don’t deserve to play in the Premier League. Just exit. If you don’t have money, it is better you stay at home. What are you going to do in the league if you don’t have money?” he added, going further to suggest that the quality of football in Kenya is being compromised due to issues like these.Michael Olunga Football Academy coach resigns, citing interference and tough working conditionsIn response, Sofapaka has issued a strong statement, accusing Odhiambo of deflecting attention from what they described as his “poor coaching performance” despite managing one of the most financially backed teams in the league. The club labeled his comments as “inaccurate and misleading,” emphasizing that they were made to divert attention from his team’s performance.“The unnecessary claims by Coach Ken, despite his team being the home team, that our soccer balls were substandard are misleading and only serve as excuses and distractions from his coaching performance and ego, despite coaching one of the best-funded clubs. These claims are inaccurate and misleading, and as a club, we find it unfortunate that such egotistical statements are being used to shift focus from the actual game,” the statement read.Pamzo reveals why Posta Rangers’ victory over Shabana was emotionalSofapaka further clarified that the FKF Premier League currently does not have a standardized match ball, with different clubs, including Bandari, using various brands of size 5 balls. The club has recommended the introduction of a standardized match and training ball supply system for the new season to address this issue.Regarding the financial criticism, Sofapaka pointed out that financial struggles are widespread in Kenyan football, affecting most clubs, including Bandari. They urged Odhiambo not to use these challenges as post-match excuses but to focus on finding sustainable solutions to promote the game.“On the issue of financial constraints, we acknowledge that a majority of Kenyan football clubs are facing challenges, including his own team. Individually owned clubs are navigating even tougher financial situations, so such matters should not be used as post-match narratives. Our local football clubs are working hard to overcome these challenges, and everyone’s priority should be finding sustainable solutions to promote our game, not creating false narratives,” the statement added.Mathare United signs former KCB midfielder Brian OchiengSofapaka also urged for mutual respect within the game, emphasizing their commitment to integrity and the growth of Kenyan football. They stressed that while emotions can run high after matches, respect for opponents and the sport must always prevail.“Football is a game of results, and while emotions run high after matches, we will always strive to show respect for this sport and, most importantly, our opponents. As Sofapaka FC and 2009 Kenya Premier League Champions, we remain committed to the integrity of the game and working towards the growth of our club and Kenyan football.”Kariobangi Sharks sell winger to French club
