A cheeky smile was visible from the new Sofapaka FC manager Christian Francis Haringingo when a question about his successful stint at Rwanda and what that could hold for his new side was asked on Wednesday.That was among a series of questions the Burundian, who was flanked by his assistant Pablo Nduwimana, had to face, even as he signed his new two-year contract with the FKF Premier League side.Opting for a challenge following a rather decent spell with his recent side – Rayon Sport – it was obvious that he was entering a different league, and one that would demand a lot, especially for a side that last tasted league success in 2009.”I feel excited to be in Kenya and to sign a contract with a side that I have been following in the past two seasons,” Haringingo said shortly after his unveiling ceremony in Nairobi. “My discussions with the management have gone on smoothly, and they indicated to me the project at hand, of which I was open to, and thus made the move.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7403347##Having just jetted into the country last Sunday – with his first training session set for Friday this week – Haringingo was outright with what sold him to the club saying: “I always felt like a move to Kenya would be a step up in my career. Looking at the team’s plan – the players they have and the investment they are putting in, everything points towards a good time here.”As part of his playing unit, one that was unveiled and welcomed by team President Mr. Elly Kalekwa, he said: “I am impressed. They are really good players, some of whom I am familiar with and believe we can challenge the league title with.”There was the response to the smile-raising question.”What we intend to do here, and should be acceptable by our standards, is to win a cup this season,” the former Police FC man said.On attacking the Kenyan league, he added: “The FKFPL is a tough league, you have to be more physical and be more aggressive. That is something I have watched and noted, and we will definitely implement it.”For a man who led Mukura Victory to their first piece of silverware in 2016, to pushing Kiyovu Sports to an unprecedented title chase, those were more than the usual flatter.Tusker FC bid farewell to departing Humphrey Mieno”He is an accomplished coach who has done it on the big stage- CAF Champions League,” club President Kalekwa, who was seated beside him said. “This is the first step to a special journey that we intend to announce in the coming days. Ever since we came into the league, we’ve always dreamt and we won’t stop now. We want to reclaim our place as the top teams in the country.”Now, with the image of David Ouma as the club’s new Technical Director, Haringingo believes that all issues in regard to transfers and youth activities will be streamlined for his next role.
