Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Sofapaka have completed the signing of highly rated offensive midfielder Keagan Ndemi Zakayo from league rivals Bandari, ahead of this weekend’s league kick-off.

Keagan joins the 2009 champions as a replacement of Ben Stanley who opted to leave the team after the expiry of his loan spell from Migori Youth and he is believed to be headed to Ulinzi Stars.

According to Sofapaka Team Manager Hillary Echesa, Keagan has fitted well in the team and may be selected to feature in their season opening fixture against Gor Mahia at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.
“Keagen is now fully a Sofapaka player. He has gelled well in the team and played very well during our friendly build-up match against Tusker at the weekend,” Echesa said.

He added: “We have also released a number of players and Evans Malaichi has returned to offer back up in our left back position.”

Malaichi who was in the team at the end of last season, had requested to leave the club after the season ended, but made a u-turn last week to return to the side.

Players who have been released are goalkeeper Steven Otieno who had been recruited from Kakamega Homeboyz, midfielders Christian Lubulu who had been recruited from Kibera Black Stars and Coast region duo of Answar Shamuni and Lucky Murabu of Young Bulls.

“Ben Stanley’s loan expired and probably he could be headed to Ulinzi Stars because he was seen playing for them against AFC Leopards during a recent friendly match. But Keagen would make a perfect replacement for him, given that he can play in all the midfield positions,” Echesa told People Sport.
He added: “We are well prepared for our opening match of the season against league champions Gor Mahia on Saturday. The coach now knows his players and their strengths after the series of friendly matches we have played.”

Sofapaka will use Machakos Stadium as their home ground for all their home matches for the new season.