Batoto ba Mungu’s journey came to an end following their 2-2 draw against Mathare United at Kasarani Annex, and will now play in the National Super League (NSL) for the first time since their promotion in 2009.
In a game Sofapaka needed to win to keep alive their faint hopes of survival, Meshack Ochieng, and Malick Ntamba scored for the side, but it was not enough as the ‘Slum Boys’ responded with goals from Isaac Omweri and John Mark Makwatta to share the points.
The draw left Sofapaka languishing at the bottom with 18 points amassed from three wins, nine draws, and a whopping 18 defeats. Sofapaka are the only team to have lost more matches followed by Bidco United, and Ulinzi Stars with 14 defeats apiece.
Sofapaka joined top flight in 2009
Sofapaka, under the leadership of Elly Kalekwa, will be remembered for their entry into the top flight when they won the Premier League title on their debut. Prior to promotion, Sofapaka had won the President’s Cup in 2007, while still playing in the Nationwide League.
Sofapaka’s golden era included the 2009 KPL title, two FKF Cup triumphs (2010, 2014), and two Kenyan Super Cups (2010, 2011), a legacy that now contrasts sharply with their current downfall.
The Nairobi-based club made history in 2011, becoming the first Kenyan club to eliminate an Egyptian side from a CAF continental competition. In the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Sofapaka defeated Ismaily SC from Egypt 4-0 at Nyayo Stadium.
After losing the first leg 2-0 in Cairo, Sofapaka won 4-2 on aggregate to advance. This victory broke the long-standing “Egyptian jinx” where Kenyan teams had previously failed to overcome Egyptian opposition.
During the 2023-24 season, Sofapaka survived relegation by a whisker after they played in the play-offs to keep their status. Sofapaka had finished the season in the automatic relegation position – 18 – and were drawn to face Naivas FC.
Sofapaka won the two-legged playoff 2-0 on aggregate to keep their status. Last season, they finished seventh with 46 points garnered from 11 wins, 13 draws, and 10 defeats.
FKF Media Officer Jeff Kinyanjui bemoaned Sofapaka’s relegation. He said: “Sofapaka’s relegation to the NSL marks the end of a tough chapter for Batoto ba Mungu, but it’s also a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey under one man, Kalekwa, who has guided the club for over 17 years since its inception.
“Seventeen-plus years at the helm is no small feat. So as Sofapaka takes this difficult step down, respect is due. I salute Kalekwa for his leadership and resilience. The sun will rise again for Sofapaka.”
Apart from Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, FC Talanta, and Bidco United are other teams that could face the axe. All teams are currently tied on 35 points with four matches remaining to conclude the season.
Gor Mahia nine points clear
Record champions Gor Mahia remained on course to reclaim the title from Kenya Police FC after they gunned down Kakamega Homeboyz to move nine points clear at the top of the 18-team league table.
Gor Mahia went into the fixture buoyed by their 1-0 victory against rivals AFC Leopards during the Mashemeji derby. An own goal by Homeboyz midfielder Peter Thiong’o was enough to hand K’Ogalo their 19th win of the season.
The win saw Gor Mahia reach 64 points, nine more than second-placed AFC Leopards, who did not play following the postponement of their clash against Ulinzi Stars.
Gor Mahia have four matches remaining against Kenya Police, Murang’a Seal, Mara Sugar, and Nairobi United. For AFC Leopards, they will face Ulinzi Stars, Mara Sugar, Homeboyz, APS Bomet, and Bidco United.