Wahongo tips Sofapaka to bounce back

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League 2009 champions Sofapaka haven’t had the best of starts to a premier league campaign with two matches already ticked so far.

Despite gallantly going all out on the opening day against defending champions Gor Mahia, and bagging a point while at it, Sofa took a 1-0 home loss to Bandari in their next fixture. 

Batoto ba Mungu made a dozen signings in the transfer window, even crossing over to Burundi to recall some of their former stars in Moussa Omar and Fiston Abdul-Razak. The squad depth, at a glance looks solid.

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So where are the results? Austine Wahongo calls for patience. 

“The start isn’t that bad considering the many changes the team has had. Yes, we haven’t had our first win yet and the coach is still assessing his playing unit to see that he gets the very best from each one of us,” says the midfielder. 

The club recently made a huge transfer haul, roping in seasoned midfielder Humphrey Mieno to bolster its midfield. The lanky anchorman had just parted ways with Tusker FC. Wahongo knows how important such signings will be as the season progresses. 

“I’d say we have a very good combination of youth and experience. Players like Mieno and Oliver Maloba are really guiding us in training and from this we get confidence as young players,” he continues.

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Wahongo, younger brother to Gor Mahia midfielder Sydney Ochieng, sees himself getting a call-up for the national U23 side as the season progresses. He’s already getting the minutes at Sofapaka and wants to make the most of them. 

He doesn’t rule out his side contesting for the league title either.

“I believe if I put in all I have this season, I can be spotted by the national team scouts and even get an U23 invite. Getting playing time when I came to Sofapaka was the first challenge but now at least I can start matches, the ball is in my court to prove my abilities.

I have a good feeling about this season for our team. We might have started on the wrong foot but we can use this to bounce back and chase for the title,” he adds. 

The former Coastal Heroes man reveals that his brother Sydney, pushes him to work hard in order to at least secure a move abroad, given age is still on his side. 

“I dream of playing in Europe one day and my brother reminds me every day of it. He encourages me to give it all because who knows, dreams do come true,” he concludes. 

Batoto Ba Mungu will be up against Posta Rangers when the league resumes, an away trip on Sunday 17 against a team that took down highly-rated Kenya Police FC 3-0.

Sofapaka are 14th on the log with a point to their name after two matches.