Newly-appointed Sofapaka interim coach Ezekiel Akwana expects to deliver maximum points on his first time of asking when the 2009 Kenyan champions visit Murang'a Seal at St. Sebastian Park this weekend.
Akwana replaced Burundian gaffer Francis Haringingo.
Sofapaka are currently bottom of the Kenyan Premier League table with just a point while Seal are enjoying their second season in the top flight at third place with nine points from five matches.
This poor form, however, does not faze Akwana, who is targeting a hasty climb from the danger zone, citing Seal encounter as a perfect point to kick-start their redemption.
“We are going there to look for three points. We don't care if it’s home or away. We are targeting maximum points in our next five games, which will ensure we move up the standings,” Akwana said.
Akwana added that he feels under no pressure on his return to the helm at Batoto Ba Mungu since the club gives the coach room to manage the playing unit with minimum interference.
“I was at Sofapaka before and it feels great to be back in charge. This is the only team in the country that gives the coach freedom to work,” he added.
The 47-year-old is a former Batoto ba Mungu midfielder playing for the 2009 champions from 2008-2011. He rejoined the club on September 27 as an assistant coach after serving at Murang’a Seal and Mathare United.
Akwana said he believes there is a lot of depth and talent in the squad and that all that’s left is to fine-tune the boys.
“The team is good, with a lot of talent and depth. All that’s left is to push the boys and build unity among them,” he added.
Sofapaka brought in 17 players before the start of the 2023/24 season including the return of Burundian striker Fiston Abdul Razak and defender Moussa Omar as well as Haringingo and his coaching team.
Akwana said they have had fruitful training sessions and cannot wait to get the ball rolling against his former side.
“Preparations have been good and we expect the same tempo going forward. I hope the boys keep fit and we don’t get any injuries in our quest to grab our first win of the season,” he said.
Akwana added that he is used to working under pressure.
“There is always pressure for a coach and if you don’t face pressure then you won’t change. To me, pressure is normal. I am used to it and I like working under pressure,” he said.
