F. OdhiamboMaliachi: I am not yet done
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 07.09.23. | 10:10
Sofapaka sit in 13th position on one point from two matches, taking comfort- perhaps, in the fact that below them are such names as AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars.
Evans Maliachi was once a revered left-back, darting runs down the left and well-measured crosses at the end of the runs. Even played for the national team, Harambee Stars.
Still active with Sofapaka FC in the FKF Premier League, the ambidextrous full-back says he’s still in the game.
“I am not yet done. So many of my peers are still playing and that fact that we can get into the starting teams and deliver proves that,” says Maliachi who is well traveled within the top flight.
Sofapaka began the 2023/24 FKF PL season in earnest, holding off defending league champions Gor Mahia to a one-all draw. On match day two, however, Bandari would serve them their first loss of the season.
Pressed on whether this will be the trend this season, he quickly explains why it isn’t.
“You know it’s just the start of the season. We’ve had two tough opening games but I do not believe we will blow hot and cold this season. We are just warming up,” says the 28-year-old.
The fullback, who has played for a dozen premier league teams including Bandari itself, Kenya Commercial Bank, Ushuru, Oserian and Kakamega Homeboyz- just to mention a few- says they will get better as his side had a couple of new names brought in.
“Every team is still gelling and so are we. The reason ours might be different is because we are drawn from different nationalities and that will require a little more time. Once we find our rhythm, it will be all systems go,” he continues.
Sofapaka brought in their former lethal forward Fiston Abdul-Razak who returns to the club alongside his Burundian teammate Moussa Omar. Local huge names to head to the 2009 FKF PL champions are Daniel Otieno, Darius Msagha and Khalid Jumaan.
Seasoned midfielder Humphrey Mieno is the side’s latest acquisition as he makes his third stint with the side. This is the quality that Maliachi believes Sofa will unleash as the season progresses.
“I believe we will be better. We understand that others are working too and are good but we will be better,” he concludes.
Sofapaka sit in 13th position on one point from two matches, taking comfort- perhaps, in the fact that below them are such names as AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars.
They next travel to a high-flying Posta Rangers on the 17 September when the league resumes.
