Sofapaka FC CEO Ronald Okoth has announced that the club’s FIFA transfer ban is expected to be lifted next week, allowing newly signed players to be registered for the 2024-25 season.Batoto ba Mungu, faced a challenging start to the season on Saturday, having to rely on last season’s squad in their match against Tusker FC due to the ongoing ban. Sofapaka lost the game 1-0, with Chrispine Erambo scoring the decisive goal for Tusker.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291043##The transfer ban was imposed after former players Fiston Abdul Razak, Mousa Omar, and coach Pablo Nduwimana took the club to FIFA over breach of contract issues, resulting in a hefty financial penalty. The club is now racing against time to clear these debts and have the sanctions lifted.Coach Robert Matano had been working with an almost entirely new squad during pre-season, but the ban forced him to recall several players who had been axed. Despite the challenges, the team managed to field 13 players and put up a valiant fight against the Brewers.In an interview, Okoth revealed that the club is in the process of settling the debts and is optimistic that the ban will be lifted soon.”We anticipated the first game would be challenging, but we are on track to clear the debts we owe by next week so that the ban can be lifted,” Okoth stated. “By next week, we expect to register all the new players, which will strengthen our squad for the next league match.”True Talents of Africa send message to Junior Starlets ahead of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup debutOkoth also praised the players for their performance against Tusker, highlighting their determination and effort despite the loss.”I must commend the boys who played today—they really fought for the club and gave everything they had. That’s the kind of commitment we want to see. Despite the result, we are proud of the performance as a club,” he added.Regarding the club’s recruitment, Okoth is confident that Sofapaka has assembled a squad capable of competing strongly in the upcoming season.”We have signed well and prepared the team in the best way possible. I believe we are going to have a good season,” he concluded.Next for Sofapaka is a home match against FC Talanta.High-stakes showdown for Gor Mahia and Kenya Police in crucial continental clashes
