‘Van Persie’ Otieno pens down message to Mathare after Sofapaka move

Attacker David Otieno ‘Van Persie’ expressed his gratitude to Mathare United as he officially joined Sofapaka FC.

The player was among the new signings unveiled by Sofapaka on Wednesday following the arrival of their new coach, Christian Haringingo.

David Otieno’s message

In a heartfelt message bidding farewell to his former team, Otieno thanked the Mathare United fraternity, including the players and technical staff, for giving him the opportunity to play.

He described the slum-boys as one of the best teams not only in Kenya but in Africa as well. He described Mathare United as his home and cherished the time he spent with the club.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mathare United fraternity, the players, the technical team for giving me a chance to play for one of the best teams in Kenya and even Africa, will forever be home -Mathare United,” he said in a statement.

With the move to Sofapaka, Otieno and his new teammates aim to bring long-awaited success to the team.

Otieno new teammates

Sofapaka has faced challenging seasons since winning the Premier League title in 2009, despite making changes to their technical staff and acquiring experienced players.

The club has been active in the transfer market ahead of the upcoming season, signing several players, including Abdoul Razak Fiston, Oliver Maloba, Mousa Omar, Khalid Jumaan, Baron Bchieng, Darius Msagha, Ian Simiyu, Christian Lubulu, and Lucky Mrabu.

Additionally, John Ndirangu, Answar Shamuni, Andre Kalama, Jacob Osano, Stephen Otieno, Edwin Lutta, and Brankline Masibo have also joined the team.

In the previous season, Sofapaka finished in the 10th position with 42 points from 34 matches, including 10 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses.

This marked a drop from the previous season when they secured an eighth-place finish with 46 points from 11 wins, 13 draws, and eight losses.