The clash is a pivotal moment for both sides. Sofapaka, rooted at the bottom of the table with 14 points, are desperate to kickstart a survival push under new head coach Edward Manoah, while Nairobi United, sitting 10th with 30 points, seek to consolidate their position and extend their recent domestic revival.
The fixture carries high stakes, not only for points but also for momentum and morale. Sofapaka have endured a torrid campaign, winning just three of 23 matches and suffering 15 defeats, leaving them staring at relegation for the first time since their 2009 promotion.
Manoah, speaking ahead of the match, stressed the importance of mentality and focus.“I have been with the team for two days, and I told them we have a serious task ahead. We must work on the players’ mental preparedness because this stageis a major deciding factor. If we get that right, it will help us navigate our way out of the relegation situation,” he said.
“Every training session, every touch, every decision counts. The players must believe they can turn things around,” he added.Sofapaka coach emphasised tactical discipline as a key component of the revival.
“There is nothing new we are going to do; we will stick to the basics. Focus, determination, and cohesion will be our tools. If we get the mindset right, the results will follow,” Manoah continued.“Pressure is part of football. We are under pressure, but we welcome it. It will bring out the best in us,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Nairobi United’s midfield dynamo, Kevin Wang’aya Injehu, has been in scintillating form since joining the “Naibois” in February. The 20-year-old midfielder has already become the heartbeat of the team.“I feel ready. Every match is a chance to prove ourselves. Sofapaka will be tough, but we will approach it with confidence,” Wang’aya said.
“My role is to control the game, help the team in attack and defence, and keep us balanced. I will do everything I can to make us win,” he added.Wang’aya’s impact has been immediate, scoring a stunning free-kick on debut and earning consecutive Man of the Match awards against Bandari FC and KCB.
“I have been working closely with Coach Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor to understand his system. The team moves as one, and I need to be the link between defence and attack,” Wang’aya explained.“We respect Sofapaka, but we are playing at home, and we aim to dictate the tempo from the first whistle,” he said.Head coach Oduor praised his young star’s maturity and leadership on the field.
“Kevin is exceptional. His vision, composure, and ability to read the game make him a cornerstone for us. He gives the team confidence,” Solo remarked.
“We are building around players like him. This match against Sofapaka is a chance for him to show leadership and guide the team,” he added.
The Naibois have shown resilience following a tough CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage campaign, returning to domestic action with a 3–0 win over Bidco United, though they followed that up with draws against Bandari and KCB. Wang’aya sees these results as part of the team’s learning curve.
“We have had highs and lows, but each game teaches us something. I want to keep improving, helping my teammates, and make Nairobi United a team that wins consistently,” he said.“Sunday is a new opportunity to earn points, and we will not waste it,” he continued.On the Sofapaka side, Manoah believes that only a united squad can survive the relegation fight.
“Every player must buy into the plan. Mentality, belief, and work rate will decide our fate,” he stated. “We have no option but to fight for every point. This is a chance to begin our revival,” he added.
“Nairobi United are a stable, experienced team, but pressure works both ways. If we play with courage and discipline, we can make our mark,” Manoah said.
“I told the players that we will tackle this challenge head-on. We will not shy away; we will embrace it,” he concluded.The battle between Nairobi United and Sofapaka promises to be a clash of experience, youthful energy, and desperation.For Sofapaka, it is a fight for survival. For Nairobi United, it is a chance to consolidate their mid-table rise and demonstrate that the Naibois are ready to challenge the league’s higher positions.
