EXCLUSIVE: Sofapaka suspend head coach Ezekiel Akwana after Gor Mahia defeat

Former Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions Sofapaka have indefinitely suspended head coach Ezekiel Akwana following the club’s latest setback, a 3-1 defeat to record champions Gor Mahia on Saturday, 31 January, at Nyayo Stadium.

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The loss appears to have sealed Akwana’s fate at Batoto Ba Mungu, capping off what has been a slow and deeply disappointing campaign for the 2009 league winners.

The defeat to K’Ogalo extended Sofapaka’s winless run to 11 matches, with the last three fixtures all ending in losses, despite the club reinforcing the squad during the ongoing mid-season transfer window.

Sofapaka last tasted league victory in November 2025, when they edged Posta Rangers 2-0. That result remains one of only three wins recorded this season, alongside a 3-0 triumph over Nairobi United and a narrow 2-1 victory against Murang’a Seal.

A poor run of 11 defeats and five draws has left the club languishing in 17th place, firmly entrenched in the relegation zone with 14 points from 19 matches.

They are level on points with bottom-placed Kariobangi Sharks and sit just one point adrift of safety.

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The struggles mark a sharp contrast to last season, when Akwana, formerly of Mathare United and Dandora Youth, guided Sofapaka to a respectable seventh-place finish with 46 points.

He had taken over on an interim basis following the departure of Robert Matano, who had set a competitive foundation.

That strong finish raised expectations ahead of the current campaign, expectations that the team has failed to meet.

Akwana’s ties with Sofapaka run deep. He returned to the club towards the end of 2023, joining the technical bench as assistant to Burundian head coach Francis Haringingo.

At the time, club president Elly Kalekwa described Akwana as a natural fit, citing his understanding of the club’s philosophy.

“We wanted a coach who understands the philosophy of this great club, and Akwana has always been part of this team, even in absentia. He is Sofapaka by blood,” Kalekwa said then.

After Haringingo’s exit, Akwana was handed the reins but oversaw a difficult spell that included six straight defeats, prompting the club to appoint former KCB coach Zedekiah Otieno. Akwana reverted to his assistant role.

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Following Otieno’s departure at a critical stage of the season, with Sofapaka battling to avoid relegation through the playoffs, Akwana once again stepped in and guided the side to crucial victories over Naivas FC, which helped steady the club.

The following season saw veteran tactician Robert Matano take charge, with Akwana returning to the assistant role.

However, in January 2025, Matano left to join Tanzania’s Fountain Gate, paving the way for Akwana’s return as head coach.

Despite his loyalty and long service to the club, Sofapaka’s continued slide this season appears to have brought his tenure to an end.

Assistant coach Juma Abdal has been appointed to take charge on an interim basis as the club fights to salvage its season and avoid relegation.