Sofapaka want ‘neutral venue’ for crucial match with Leopards

Sofapaka players celebrate a goal against Gor Mahia during their Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on October 26, 2014. Sofapaka have opened a new battlefront with AFC Leopards, insisting that they will not play their league match against Ingwe at the Mumias Sugar Complex on November 1, 2014. FILE PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The two teams were scheduled to play this Saturday at the Mumias Complex, but the title-chasing Sofapaka have written to the Kenya Premier League secretariat requesting that the high-stakes match, expected to be explosive, be played at a neutral venue.
  • KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda confirmed that they have received Sofapaka’s request and the matter will be up for discussion when the league’s governing council meets on Friday.

Sofapaka have opened a new battlefront with AFC Leopards, insisting that they will not play their league match against Ingwe at the Mumias Sugar Complex on Saturday.

The two teams were scheduled to play this Saturday at the Mumias Complex, but the title-chasing Sofapaka have written to the Kenya Premier League secretariat requesting that the high-stakes match, expected to be explosive, be played at a neutral venue.

Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa, said that the move is aimed protecting his players. “We are concerned about our security in light of what has happened in the recent past. We do not want bloodshed and we have a responsibility of ensuring that our players’ welfare is taken care of,” he said.

“There are so many stadiums that can be used. Going to Mumias is not prudent. We want to play in a stadium where security can be guaranteed but not where fans can mount the parameter fence and pose danger,” he said.

KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda confirmed that they have received Sofapaka’s request and the matter will be up for discussion when the league’s governing council meets on Friday.

“They (Sofapaka) raised the issue with the federation and we have received a copy of the letter. The venue has not been decided. I can’t talk much on the matter but we will discuss it tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

Daily Nation Sport has however learnt that the football administration wants the high-profile game played in a more secure environment that could see the contest staged in Nairobi.

Ingwe have traditionally used the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium located in Nairobi as its first home ground, with Mumias Complex being a second-choice home venue.

In the recent past, Ingwe have preferred to retreat to the well-manicured Mumias Complex situated approximately 395 kilometres northwest of Nairobi for some of its home matches.

Sofapaka’s request comes in the wake of horrifying scenes in their respective matches against Leopards in the GOtv semi-finals on October 20 at City Stadium and against Gor Mahia on Sunday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.