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Flamboyant club president Elly Kalekwa has gone into hibernation leaving Sofapaka players high and dry.
Founded from a church setting a decade and half back, the emphasis on prayers at FKF Premier League outfit Sofapaka is impressive. Fervent prayers are offered before and after everything; training sessions, meetings and travels.
The club’s claim to Christian lifestyle is not just displayed in the numerous prayers but also on other practical aspects of worship that few in society live up to.
A few years back when they were deep in doldrums and salaries had delayed for months, one of their players emerged player of the month and earned Sh100,000. Although an individual award the money was equally shared among the entire playing unit.
But that was after tithe (10 percent) had been deducted and rendered to God. In a woke, selfish world that was true worship. Against all odds they survived relegation and remain in the top-flight division.
The situation is looking grim today but Sofapaka have held on to their firm belief in Nzambe. Salaries have not been paid in eight months and the club’s flamboyant owner Elly Kalekwa is nowhere to be seen.
“He is not in Kenya and certainly not talking to us. We are just trying to stay in the game and do our best but we are really suffering. We have families and so much financial responsibilities. Something needs to change,” one player told Pulse Sports Kenya but requested anonymity
Those in the know claim Kalekwa is hibernating in Uganda after their erstwhile shirt sponsors Betika pulled the plug on their deal rendering Sofapaka running on fumes.
Management has tried to contain the situation by limiting negativity press coverage of happenings in the team but the situation is getting out of hand.
Coach David Ouma once took issue with local media houses for dwelling on the club’s financial struggles rather than performance on the pitch.
He has managed to keep the club above relegation zone despite the grave happenings. Sofapaka are currently 11th on the table and eight points above the third from bottom team which will have to face a two-legged play-off to remain in the FKF Premier League.
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