Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa has refuted claims that he fired head coach Ken Odhiambo due to a torrid run in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
On Wednesday, the club announced they had parted ways with the Harambee Stars assistant coach, amid heightened speculations that a string of miserable outings had informed their decision.
“Sofapaka would like to announce that we have parted ways with head coach Ken Odhiambo on mutual consent,” read a statement issued earlier by the club.
But in an exclusive interview — barely hours after the news spilled out into the public domain — Kalekwa clarified that Odhiambo had left voluntarily.
“No, we didn't sack him. He requested to step aside in order to attend to pressing family matters,” Kalekwa clarified.
“Of course, performance has always been an issue of late but that's not the reason that forced him out of the club.”
The flamboyant Sofapaka honcho further confirmed the club's statement that former Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma would take over.
“David Ouma has been elevated to the position of head coach with immediate effect,” the club added.
Kalekwa expressed optimism that the club would slog through their remaining fixtures to break the jinx that has haunted them thus far as they firmly train their eyes on a top-five finish.
“I'm confident we have a competitive squad that can turn things around. We have a relatively new squad that needs time to gel before we can begin feeling their impact. I'm sure we will be among the top five teams at the end of the season,” Kalekwa said.
The 2009 champions are currently 13th on the log with 27 points after winning six of their matches, drawing in nine and losing seven.
Odhiambo joined the club from coastal side Bandari in January 2021 but he has struggled to fit into the shoes of his predecessor, John Baraza.
Baraza was sent packing after a series of losses left the club playing catch-up game.
Meanwhile, Kalekwa has called out top-tier referees and urged them to polish their act.
“Officiating has been pathetic in most of our matches. There has been open favouritism. I don't think they are doing the right thing,” Kalekwa said.
