Sofapaka unveil experienced new head coach, confirm 17 new signings

Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Sofapaka have confirmed the appointment of Burundian Christian Francis Haringingo as their new head coach on Wednesday 2 August.

Batoto ba Mungu also unveiled new players who will be tasked with helping the club challenge for the league, 14 years after lifting their maiden and only Premier League title.

Haringingo, who led Rayon Sports to the Rwanda Peace Cup over APR in June, will replace David Ouma, who was on Monday confirmed to have resumed his role as the club's Director of Football.

Ouma will also double up as an assistant coach. Harigingo will also be assisted by Pablo Nduwimana.

“I am 100 percent sure that he will do a good job. We have been following up on him as a team. We like him. He is well travelled and experienced and has left a mark in every team he has managed. We are working for trophies given we have not won trophies for a while. We hope that he will help us achieve our dream,” Sofapaka chairman Elly Kalekwa said.

“ I want to thank the president for the confidence that he has put in me to lead the club. Sofapaka is a big club in Kenya and Africa. I have followed it alot,” Haringingo said. 

“We want to try and win the league or the cup. If all goes well, we can even win both trophies. I will do whatever it takes to make sure Sofapaka returns to its heights,." 

The club unveiled 17 new players to their ranks, including the return of Burundi forward Fiston Razak on a one-year contract.

In the goalkeeping department, Jacob Osano and Steven Otieno will be expected to provide cover on top of competing with current first-choice goalkeeper Simon Masaka for the number one slot.

Some of the other most notable players that have joined Harigingo at Batoto ba Mungu include Mousa Omar who is also making a return, John 'Softie' Ndirangu, and Daniel 'Van Persie' Otieno.

Khalid Jumaan, Oliver Maloba, Baron Ochieng, Darius Msagha, Ian Simiyu, Answar Shamoni, Lucky Mrabu, Andre Kalama, Branlline Masibo, and  Edwin Lutta are the other players who will don the Sofapaka shirt this season.