Sofapaka midfielder Jack Ong’anya credits head coach Ezekiel Akwana’s natural connection with the club’s young squad for their impressive run this season.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Unlike last season, when Sofapaka fought to avoid relegation despite having a roster filled with experienced players, this campaign has been a complete turnaround.A youthful and relatively unknown squad has defied expectations, and much of that, according to Ong’anya, is due to Akwana’s unique approach.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947838##Akwana stepped in as head coach following the departure of veteran tactician Robert Matano, popularly known as “The Special One” or “The Lion.”Matano left Sofapaka on January 10 and was later unveiled by Tanzanian side Singida Big Stars FC (now Fountain Gate FC).Matano’s exit was seen as a major blow for Batoto ba Mungu, who had made significant strides under his leadership after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947838##At the time Akwana took over, Sofapaka were seventh in the 18-team FKF Premier League table with 21 points from 15 matches- six behind the then joint leaders KCB and Tusker.A former AFC Leopards defender, Akwana brought with him coaching experience from stints as an assistant under Zedekiah Otieno and Matano himself.Since assuming the reins, Akwana has maintained Sofapaka’s momentum, but what has flown under the radar is his remarkable transformation of raw talent into household names.”The team signed me for penalties,” says Mara keeper after eliminating Kenya PoliceYoungsters like Edwin Ondimo, Rodgers Kipekemoi, Bramwell Simiyu, Baron Otieno, Derrick Khaemba, and Jack Ong’anya have all flourished under his guidance.In an interview with Mozzart Sport, Ong’anya opened up on Akwana’s deep connection with the players, especially the younger ones.“Our coach is a vibe,” Ong’anya said. “He’s someone who relates well with youth. He’s from the ghetto, and that helps because he understands us. He connects with us naturally.”“We all like him, we like his tactics, and we believe in what he says. He makes football simple and enjoyable,” he added.President Ruto’s son George declares loyalty to AFC LeopardsUnder Akwana, Sofapaka have also become a nightmare for league heavyweights.They stunned Tusker with a 7-1 thrashing, the Brewers’ heaviest loss of the season, and held both Gor Mahia (1-1) and AFC Leopards (0-0) to draws.So, what fuels their hunger against such formidable opponents?“The coach inspires us,” Ong’anya revealed.“And as youth, when facing teams like Gor Mahia, there’s always that extra drive to prove ourselves. We want to show that talent isn’t just about big names — we, too, have something special.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8947871##Ong’anya also spoke about the squad’s shared hunger and humility.“What drives us is the spirit of listening and the urge to make it in life through football. We’re determined, and our coach gives us belief.”
