Sofapaka's Sporting Director David Ouma pledges women's side ahead of 2023/2024 season

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FOOTBALL Sofapaka's Sporting Director David Ouma pledges women's side ahead of 2023/2024 season

Festus Chuma 18:12 - 04.08.2023

Ouma sets ambitious goals for 2023/2024 season, targets CAF Champions League and promises women's team to comply with CAF regulations.

Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Sofapaka FC have announced a significant milestone in Kenyan football by revealing their plans to form a women's football side.

The momentous decision was revealed by the club's newly elected Sporting Director David Ouma during a press conference at Marist Grounds in Karen on Wednesday where he was officially unveiled in his new role.

“ We are going to form a women’s team as part of fulfillment of CAF Club Licensing requirements,” Ouma said.

Ouma revealed that the idea of establishing a women's team had its roots back in 2014 when the Kenya national team utilized Sofa aka's facilities and equipment to build itself

“ I was coach of the national team Harambee Starlets for five and half years. The Kenya national team came up at Sofapaka in 2014 and I will use that experience in establishing the Sofapaka women's team,” he said.

Sofapaka has set its sights on securing two major trophies in the 2023/2024 season for their men's league.

The first goal is to claim the league title, which would automatically qualify them to participate in the prestigious CAF Champions League.

It's noteworthy that in June of this year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a ruling stating that for clubs to partake in continental competitions, they must have women's teams.

By forming a women's side, Sofapaka is positioning itself to compete not just at the domestic level but also on the African stage, aligning with CAF's progressive requirements.

The Batoto ba Mungu joins a growing list of progressive football clubs in Kenya that have embraced women's football and are actively investing in women's teams.

Teams such as Tusker FC and Kenya Police have already acquired or established women's sides, signaling a positive shift towards gender inclusivity in the sport.

With the formation of the women's side, the Batoto ba Mungu aims to provide a platform for talented female players to showcase their skills and nurture their passion for the beautiful game.