Sofapaka sign two Nigerians

• Tanzanian also on champions’ shopping list as Leopards move to Voi for friendly tie

Premier League champions Sofapaka FC, fresh from securing a Sh12 million sponsorship from East African Portland Cement Company for the 2010 season, have started spending the cash, dishing out Sh2 million to secure three players – two Nigerians and a Tanzanian.

Club president Elly Kalekwa confirmed the signing up of the three plus another two, which brings to 14 the new recruits at the league champions.

“I got the Nigerians at a bargain. We paid about $12,000 (Sh900,000) but it was the signature of the Tanzanian that cost us more,” said Kalekwa.

Contract expired

Coach Robert Matano completed his job in the January transfer window as he picked up the signatures of Tanzanian Said Idrisa Rajab, a midfield player, and Nigerians Abidemi Abass Akinyemi and Frank Gentle Harry.

Akinyemi, a striker, was signed up from Kickers FC while Harry, a right full back, turned out for Global Stars FC.

Two other players – Raphael Omondi, whose contract expired at Ryon Sports of Rwanda, and Nairobi City Stars defender Collins Tiego – have come on board as Matano made use of the blank cheque he was given by Kalekwa.

Sofapaka’s 24-year-old Zimbabwean, Robson Dondo, has also signed a new contract after his current deal expired.

Sofapaka remain a step ahead of the competition and despite the recession, the Premier League is bracing itself for another record in terms of player movement.

Though not disclosing how much was used to acquire the services of all the 14 players, Sofapaka’s move signifies the club’s intentions as it debuts in the CAF Champions League. Sofapaka start their campaign against Egypt’s champions Ismailia on February 15 at home.

Nigerian import Joseph Emeka, an earlier acquisition from Tusker who was also the Kenyan Premier League’s joint top scorer with John Baraza on 15 goals, will welcome his compatriots at their new Nyayo National Stadium homeground.

Leopards in Voi Wednesday

Emeka’s one-year experience in Kenyan football will serve as the steel around which the silk of his two Nigerians Akinyemi and Harry will be wrapped.

However, Togolese striker Jean Afanou Koffi, who was linked to Sofapaka, was ruled out by the club despite being included on the list of players.

“We have pulled out of negotiations with Koffi. He was not in the class of players we were looking for,” said Kalekwa.

Nzangu Hugo returns to Sofapaka after his loan spell at Sony Sugar ended.

Elsewhere, another Premier League side, AFC Leopards, will today take on Home Boys FC in a build up match at Voi’s Moi Stadium from 3pm. Leopards were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo United in Mombasa on Monday.

They are scheduled to play Uganda Revenue Authority at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday in another friendly before facing Ethiopian Banks on February 13 in a Confederation Cup duel.

“With the Champions League coming, we will have more fixtures and this requires us to strengthen our team. We need experience to build a stronger side able to contest at the highest level,” said Matano.

Sofapaka has however cancelled a planned two-week build-up tour of Lubumbashi, in Democratic Republic of Congo, citing logistical hitches.

“We really wanted to go and play in the Congo. But we cannot go unless they fulfil some of the conditions we gave them,” said Kalekwa. “It is expensive to fly the team to Lubumbashi and we need money now for the Champions League.”