The new FKF Premier League season promises a tone of action, right from whether clubs will let champion Gor Mahia routinely bag another title or will put up a proper fight this time to whether the league newbies will achieve their first order of business, which is to survive in their first season. Mathare United returns to the top after a season in the cold and are perhaps considered already versed in the affairs of the FKF PL, whereas Mara Sugar will just be dipping their toes here for the club’s very first time. On the other hand, Sofapaka, a former league giant now a pale shadow of itself, just managed to stay up by a whisker and will have to conduct business differently to avoid events like the near-embarrassing chop from the premiership. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8262758##Right-back Edwin Lutta played his first season for Batoto Ba Mungu and admits to theirs being a case of once-bitten, twice-shy. ‘’If we play like we did last season then the results will be the same. Regardless of whichever changes, how we play matters most,’’ says Lutta. Sofapaka managed to finish just ahead of relegated Muhoroni Youth and, being third last had to yet endure another relegation/promotion battle against Naivas FC.Kenyan midfielder reveals differences between Kenyan and Tanzanian leaguesThe side, coached by former Kenyan international Ezekiel Akwana, just managed to slither through the doubleheader. Lutta, who made his debut against Nzoia Sugar last December, says changes in the attitude within the unit will determine a lot. ‘’On paper, we were a very good team, in fact, we even won some tough matches that no one had expected us to win considering the challenges we were enduring. That should tell you that we can be more than the sum of our talents in the team, if only we repurpose to work on our approach towards games,’’ he continues. Sofapaka, just like the fallen top-flight teams from last season; Muhoroni and Nzoia Sugar, faced a myriad of financial hiccups that in effect worked negatively on players’ morale. Admittedly, Lutta concurs that this played a huge role in the club blowing hot and cold throughout the season. The former Kenyan champions, however, intend to lift themselves up and consider last season a bad dream. But how? ‘’I’m personally positive that things will change for the better. From the club’s handling of player affairs and the rise in player morale too. Even though last season is one to forget, the wise thing is to pick up the lessons and build on for a better 2024/25,’’ says the former AFC Leopards youth team player. Despite the team’s dismal league showing, the club managed to reach the quarterfinals of the domestic cup; Mozzart Bet Cup, and bowed out to eventual champions Kenya Police FC. Gor Mahia ramp up CAF CL preparations with pre-season friendly win in TanzaniaAlong the way, they had dispatched Silibwet and Bungoma Stars in previous rounds. It’s a performance to build on considering the club’s rich history in the competition. ‘’The league is always difficult to predict, but as for the cup, we understand we did favorably, and being a shorter avenue to continental football, we will give it a go,’’ he concludes.The new season will see Lutta and his compatriots take on Tusker for the opener on August 24. They will then welcome FC Talanta before traveling to meet the Slumboys of Mathare in week three.
