Sofapaka FC strikers Umaru Kassumba and Stephen Waruru celebrate during their 3-0 win over Baba Dogo United in their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield round of 32 match at the Camp Toyoyo Ground on June 24, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 25- Having won the title as a player and gone on to progress to the third round of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2011, Sofapaka boss John Baraza now targets to replicate the same feat this year as a coach.
Batoto ba Mungu progressed to the third round of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield after a comfortable 3-0 win over Baba Dogo United on Sunday and the performance gave Baraza confidence that they are on the right path.
“If you look at the squad we have put in, then you understand how seriously we are taking this tournament. Small teams can surprise you and you can’t take chances. I am happy that we are through to the next round and we will keep working hard,” Baraza said.
He added; “We want to win this tournament and go back to continental football. We look at Gor Mahia and the success they have is because of playing in the continent. That is what we want as a club. As a coach also, I want to make history as well.”
Sofapaka won the tournament in 2007, 2010 and 2014 and since then, they have endured trophy drought which might come to its end this season.
Sofapaka head coach John Baraza watches as his side won 3-0 against Baba Dogo United in teh FKF SHield round of 32 on June 24, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Their most successful spell after hoping into continental football was in 2011 after winning the 2010 Shield when they went all the way to the third round and were just a fraction off booking a slot in the group stages.
Baraza was a part of that team, scoring crucial goals to help them through.
Elsewhere, 2016 champions Tusker FC moved to the third round with a hard fought 2-1 win over 2015 champs Bandari in Mombasa.
Robert Matano looks set to move into his third consecutive final as a coach having reached 2016 with Ulinzi and won it last year with AFC Leopards.
Round of 32 results
Wednesday:
Gor Mahia 5-0 Kenpoly (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos)
Ulinzi Stars 2-0 Kakamega Homeboyz (walkover- Afraha Stadium, Nakuru).
Sunday
Vegpro 0-4 Vihiga United (Karuturi Grounds, 1 pm)
Rainforest 0-4 AFC Leopards (Karuturi Grounds, 3.15 pm)
Friend Zone 2-1 Zetech University (Camp Toyoyo, 11 am)
Sofapaka 3-0 Baba Dogo United (Camp Toyoyo, 1 pm)
Kenya Police 2-0 Nzoia Sugar (Narok Stadium, 3 pm) (Walkover)
Western Stima 0(4)-0(2)Bidco United (Moi Stadium Kisumu, 3 pm)
Bungoma Superstars 2-1 Transfoc (Kanduyi Stadium, 3 pm)
Saturday
Mwatate United 2-0 Ushuru (Wundanyi Stadium, 3 pm) (Walkover)
Bandari 1-2 Tusker (Mbaraki Grounds, 3 pm)
Leysa 2-1 KCB (Camp Toyoyo, 1 pm)
Kariobangi Sharks 2(4)-2(2) Wazito (Camp Toyoyo, 3.15 pm)
Posta Rangers 1-0 Kisumu Hot Stars (Green Stadium Kericho, 1 pm)
Kisumu All-Stars 1-4 Riverplate (Moi Stadium Kisumu, 3 pm)
Ligi Ndogo 0(2)-0(3) Modern Coast Rangers (Hope Center, 3 pm)
