Manoah explains plan to rescue Sofapaka from jaws of relegation
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 13.03.26. | 10:15
Batoto ba Mungu have endured a torrid campaign marked by inconsistent performances and a worrying run of results
New Sofapaka FC head coach Edward Manoah has outlined his blueprint to steer the struggling side away from the looming threat of relegation as the 2025/26 campaign enters its decisive phase.
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The 2009 champions currently sit at the foot of the 18-team standings with just 14 points, staring at the possibility of dropping out of the top flight for the first time in more than a decade since their promotion in 2009.
Batoto ba Mungu has endured a torrid campaign marked by inconsistent performances and a worrying run of results.
In their last 23 league matches, the club has managed only three victories and five draws while suffering a staggering 15 defeats, a run that has left them firmly anchored at the bottom of the table.
The poor run of form prompted the club to part ways with head coach Ezekiel Akwana on February 4 in an attempt to spark a turnaround.
In the interim, the club turned to veteran tactician Abdallah Juma to help steady the ship and guide the side out of the relegation zone.
However, the change did little to reverse the team’s fortunes.
Sofapaka remains winless in four league outings under the interim arrangement, a sequence that has further compounded their struggles and deepened relegation fears.
Determined to salvage their season, the club hierarchy eventually handed the reins to Manoah, tasking the experienced coach with orchestrating a late survival push.
Speaking two days after taking charge, Manoah, formerly with Mara Sugar FC, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead but insisted that strengthening the players’ mentality will be central to their survival bid.
“I have been with the team for two days, and I told them we have a serious task ahead of us. We must work on the players mentally because that is one major deciding factor at this stage. If we get that right, it will help us navigate our way out of the relegation situation,” he said.
The former Kakamega Homeboyz FC coach emphasized that the club has no option but to fight for survival at all costs.
“There is nothing new we are going to do. We are stuck, and we have only two escape routes: either move forward toward our destination or go back from where we came and return stronger. As a team, we have chosen to move toward our destiny,” Manoah added.
Sofapaka now faces a stern test in Manoah’s first match in charge when they take on Nairobi United FC.
The former Vihiga United FC boss admitted the pressure is firmly on his side but expressed confidence that the encounter could mark the beginning of the club’s revival.
“It is unfortunate we are meeting Nairobi United when things have changed. They are a stable team with vast experience. The pressure is more on us than them, but it is upon us to go there and begin the process of turning things around,” he concluded.
The upcoming clash presents Manoah with an opportunity to secure his first victory in charge while giving Sofapaka a chance to end a lengthy winless streak that has stretched to 15 matches.
Sofapaka have not tasted victory since the turn of 2026, with their last triumph coming four months ago when they defeated Posta Rangers FC 2–0 on November 10, 2025.