Newly-acquired Sofapaka defender Samuel Olwande is thirsting for a return to the Kenyan Premier League after a lengthy lay-off with injury.
Olwande joined the 2009 champions from their city rivals Kariobangi Sharks, who sidelined him for the better part of the preceding season due to injury.“I am happy and I feel good that the season will start soon after a long wait. I also hope to have an injury-free season,” Olwande said.
He has tipped Sofapaka to shine next season following the intense preparations they have had so far.
“I believe we have trained well enough to challenge for the title. I am satisfied with the preparations, although they have taken a long time. To a large extent, the delay has generally helped us because we have had enough time to prepare and I believe we are ready for the work ahead of us,” he added.
The Kenyan international says he expects a tough challenge from their opponents who plunged vast resources into the transfer window. “The season will be very competitive, but I am optimistic about success,” he said.
Olwande successfully underwent an ankle operation at the AIC Kijabe Hospital on April 17, last year.
This is after he suffered a torn cartilage in the Sharks’ opening Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter against Wazito at Moi Stadium, Kasarani which they won 4-0.
The 32-year-old linked up with Sharks in 2019 after a stint with Mathare United. He was handed his maiden senior national team call-up the same year, following an outstanding season.
It was the second time in three years the defender was being rendered inactive by injury.
In December 2018, he stayed out of action for five months after undergoing surgery on his right knee to correct a third-degree meniscus tear.
Other than Sharks and Mathare, the towering defender has also played for Oserian, Chemelil Sugar and Tusker.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa is also looking forward to the start of the new season.
“Football is back! I am glad we had a successful discussion with the Sports CS Ababu Namwamba in regards to our league. We are looking forward to having the league starting soon,” said Kalekwa.
