Sofapaka vow to replace auctioned bus, solve player transfer ban

The 2009 Kenya Premier League champions Sofapaka have vowed to rise above their financial challenges and save face by purchasing a state-of-the-art team bus.

The former champions are currently bus-less after their former players; Collins Wakhungu and Paul Kiongera sought orders to auction the team’s bus in a bid to recover their salary arrears.

Reports indicate that the bus, which the club has used for a long time, is valued at Ksh 1 million.

The club’s Chief Executive Officer Ronald Okoth says, the team is actively looking for finances to replace the bus, currently in possession of Bank Repossessed, Grounded & Auctioneers Sar Sales, with a new one.

“The bus has served the club for a very long time and it is unfortunate that we have lost it to auctioneers. For a very long time, the team has been planning to buy a new and modern bus and with the latest development, we will have to speed up the plan. Upgrading the means of transport is one of the objectives the new office is actively pursuing along with others like; sponsorship, membership drive and improving digital presence,” said the former striker.

Reacting to the events that led to the loss of the bus, Okoth who was appointed in April, believes that the termination of the duo’s contract was done haphazardly.

Sofapaka vigilant during league homestretch

“The disputes could have been handled better but that is a thing of the past. The most important thing is the lessons learnt from it and how future disputes should be resolved amicably. We will have to revise our player signing policy and live within our means,” said the former Gor Mahia player.

Sofapaka handed transfer ban for breaches on player contract

Besides losing the bus, Sofapaka are currently grappling with a player transfer ban for breaching Mousa Omar’s contract.

This is the second time the Burundian defender successfully reported the club to FIFA.

In 2021, he took the club to FIFA for breaching his contract and was in turn awarded millions of shillings over the same.