Ugandan coach reveals handsome salary earned during Sofapaka stint
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.05.26. | 13:07
After that, he went back home to Uganda and handled different clubs before being appointed assistant coach of Uganda Cranes
Former Sofapaka head coach Sam Ssimbwa has opened up on the mouthwatering payment package he received during his stint with the 2009 FKF Premier League champions.
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Batoto ba Mungu suffered relegation about a month ago following a 2-2 tie against Mathare United after staying in the top flight for 17 consecutive years since their promotion back in 2009.
Speaking in Kampala, Uganda, Ssimbwa said he was shocked to learn of the team's relegation, considering that they had groomed so many exceptional players over the years.
“It was a great team, and the chairman, Elly Kalekwa, had a vision to take the team far. During my tenure, we produced so many players who went on to play for the national team Harambee Stars, and it is disappointing to see them go down,” he said.
He added that Sofapaka was among the top teams in Kenya during his tenure and always fought for titles, as well as being among the best-paying clubs in the local league.
“When I joined Sofapaka in 2010, my salary then was $6,000 (Ksh780,000). On top of that, I had a winning allowance of $200 (Ksh26,000). The players were also paid well, and this was a big motivation and ensured the team remained competitive,” added the Ugandan tactician.
Ssimbwa’s first stint at Sofapaka ended in 2010 before he made another return in 2016.
After that, he went back home to Uganda and handled different clubs before being appointed assistant coach of Uganda Cranes.
Ssimbwa said having worked both in Kenya and Uganda, he believes the latter has more talented players while the former is endowed with more resources.
“In terms of talent, Uganda is way above Kenya. But Kenyan clubs and Kenyan football in general have more money, and that attracts more talent. It is difficult to get a club in Uganda that pays a coach $3,000 (Ksh390,000) per month, for example,” he said.
After leaving Uganda Cranes, Ssimbwa says a number of clubs have approached him for his services.