Sofapaka continues to put up a spirited fight in the closing stages of the 2023/24 FKF Premier League campaign all in a bid to stay afloat for another season in the top flight. A tough two-all draw away to Bandari on Sunday means Batoto Ba Mungu keep their heads above the murky relegation waters, but only three points precariously above it. The 2009 champions could in fact have stretched further upwards safely but let go of a comfortable 2-0 lead on the road to allow hosts Bandari back in the game, only making away with a point at the end of the Ukunda affair. Three fixtures remain for the side before the season closes and midfielder Austin Wahongo believes they’ve come a long way to slip at the end. ‘’We understand the team’s position and that’s why every match for us is played like a final. There were times when we were in a worse position but in the second leg the team has shown a lot of character and we will carry it to the end,’’ says the combative midfielder. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8109820##Batoto Ba Mungu have not had the fairest of tidings over the past few seasons- if anyone was to compare their glory years to the current squad. Even though still attracting a few seasoned players, Coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s men have had to labour through victories, and sometimes, take humbling defeats. They next take on Zico’s former team- and champions in waiting- Gor Mahia. Midfielder Wahongo will have to wrestle past his elder brother Sydney Wahongo in the tie to help his side scale up further. Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino pleads more support to women’s footballGor dispatched Muhoroni Youth 3-0 on Sunday to reach an unassailable 67 points on Sunday. ‘’Even though they have already been declared champions, we will give everything in the clash. It’s a big match for us and will not approach it casually,’’ says Austin of their next fixture. The former premier league giants have been on a rebuilding spree if any of their changes are to be considered. Coach Zico’s reign began with a massive influx of non-premier league proteges in the midseason, some of whom have proved their mettle both in the top flight and the domestic cup-Mozzart Bet Cup. The youngsters were only edged out in the quarter-finals by cup favourites Kenya Police. CHAMPIONS AGAIN: Gor Mahia clinch 2023-2024 FKF Premier League titleWith the likes of former player Wilson Obungu in the technical bench- and more recently Charles ‘Korea’ Omondi, there is no denying that Batoto Ba Mungu, once safety is secured, have something up their sleeve for next season. A recent entry in the Chief Executive Officer’s position- the inclusion of former striker Ronald Okoth, is also indicative of these imminent changes.Zico’s men will, after squaring off with Gor, travel to Nairobi City Stars before hosting already-relegated Sugar FC on the final day of the season.
