Sofapaka’s Francis Haringingo is the second coach to lose his job in the FKF Premier League.
The club confirmed the departure of the Burundian together with his assistant Pablo Nduwimana on mutual agreement.
“We wish to inform our beloved fans that the Head Coach Francis Haringingo and Pablo Nduwimana have come into agreement with the club to part ways on Mutual Consent,” the club said in a statement.
The club added: “Coach Haringingo assumed his role as head coach of the team just two and a half months ago in which he has been in charge of 5 games that we’ve drawn one and lost 4 matches in a row. The coach made the decision in the wake of a series of disappointing results in the club’s last five matches.”
Former coach Ezekiel Akwana will lead the team in the interim. He will be assisted by former club captain Hilary Echesa.
“In light of these challenges, Ezekiel Akwana will step in as the acting head coach and he will be assisted by immediate Team Manager Hillary Echesa and is expected to lead the team in their upcoming match against Muranga Seal FC until further notice that will be announced by the club in the coming days,” the club’s statement concluded.
Last week, Kenya Police announced the sacking of Francis Baraza after a string of poor results. He was replaced by Zdravko Logarusic.
Shabana’s Sammy Okoth and AFC Leopards’ Tom Juma are two other coaches who are likely to lose their jobs in the coming days. The clubs remain winless after four games.
Juma missed AFC Leopards’ game against Shabana on Sunday. Assistant coach Fred Ambani was in charge.
Elly Kalekwa, the President of Sofapaka FC, expressed his gratitude to Coach Haringingo and his assistant for his dedication and efforts during his tenure with the club.
“Francis is a top-notch coach; indeed we have started the league badly than we expected but as you all know we’re still in the transition period because we brought in over 16 new players as well as a new technical bench. It goes without saying that it will take a while before we jell. We shall keep the faith for a better result as we continue to push forward. Personally, I am not disappointed considering I had high hopes for my bench and I was willing to be patient with them but as fate would have it,I will respect his decision of Mutual termination of his contract, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Kalekwa.
Coach Haringingo also reflected on his time with Sofapaka FC, stating: “It was a pleasure working for the 2009 champions. Steering this talented team was a great challenge, even though we did not achieve the desired results.”
Haringingo further added: “We have come to a mutual agreement with President Kalekwa, and I would like to thank him for the opportunity to work in the Kenyan Premier League and be a part of a club with a rich history and tradition like Sofapaka FC.”
He further thanked, the fans, players, and supporting staff.
Sofapaka FC wishes Coach Haringingo and Pablo Nduwimana success in their future endeavors, as they look forward to a fresh start under the guidance of Acting Coach Ezekiel Akwana
Ends
