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Sofapaka players in training/SOFAPAKAFAMILIA
Sofapaka FC face one of the defining matches of their season on Saturday when they take on Mathare United at Kasarani Annex Stadium, with their FKF Premier League survival hopes hanging in the balance.
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The 2009 champions have endured a turbulent campaign and now sit bottom of the table, with relegation edging dangerously closer.
For a club of Sofapaka’s stature, the possibility of dropping out of the top flight has placed immense pressure on both players and technical bench.
Saturday’s clash presents perhaps their clearest chance to keep survival hopes alive, but anything less than victory could all but confirm their fall.
The mood in the Sofapaka camp has been tense but determined. Training sessions this week have carried the urgency of a side fully aware of the consequences ahead.
Captain Cliff Miheso says the players understand the significance of the fixture and the responsibility that comes with representing a club fighting for its future.
“We understand exactly what this match means for this club, for the badge, and for every single supporter who has stood with us through a very difficult season,” Miheso said.
Despite their position, Miheso insists the squad must approach the game with belief.
“We are not approaching this game as victims of the table, but as fighters who still believe we can change our story in 90 minutes if we remain disciplined, focused, and brave in every challenge.”
For Sofapaka, the biggest challenge has not only been tactical inconsistency, but also maintaining confidence in the face of poor results. Miheso believes unity within the dressing room remains their strongest weapon.
“We know people have already written us off, but inside this dressing room there is still belief that we can fight our way out of this situation if we stay united and give everything in every minute we play.”
Head coach Juma Abdalla has spent the week reinforcing the psychological side of preparation, aware that mentality could prove decisive.
“We have worked on the mental side of the players because this match is not just tactical, it is psychological,” Abdalla said.
He has also challenged his players to be more decisive in attack.
“We are asking the players to show bravery in the final third, to take responsibility when chances come, and to understand that hesitation at this stage can cost us everything we are fighting for.”
Across the touchline, Mathare United come into the match in 12th place, enjoying a relatively safer standing but still eager to finish the season strongly.
Captain Brian “Rio” Ochieng has warned his side against underestimating a desperate Sofapaka outfit.
“We respect Sofapaka because when a team is fighting for survival they become unpredictable, aggressive, and emotionally charged,” Ochieng said.
Mathare’s focus, he says, will be on discipline and sticking to their structure.
“We must stay calm, stick to our structure, and avoid getting dragged into chaos.”
Coach James Kamau has echoed the same sentiments, stressing professionalism and control.
“We are treating this fixture with full seriousness because every point at this stage of the season matters,” Kamau said.
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