Kenya Premier League side Sofapaka FC has absolved themselves of the blame for providing substandard match ball in top league football games.

The claims surfaced after their tie against Bandari FC in Mombasa where the team slumped to a 1-0 defeat on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

In a post-match rant, a furious Ken Odhiambo lamented a host of issues he claimed are reversing the progress of the game in the country.

Odhiambo specifically decried the quality of balls likening them to lightweight brands sold in supermarkets.

Additionally, the Harambee Stars coach warned that the league risked plummeting standards on the pretext of the financial struggles on the part of some teams.

The sentiments seemed to have struck Sofapaka’s nerve as the Nairobi-based club called the coach out for his demeaning and diversionary remarks.

According to a statement from Sofapaka, the claims are unfounded and a lame attempt for the coach to massage his ego owing to his role as trainer of a corporate club.

“We have taken note of the demeaning remarks made by one of our former Coaches who is currently the Head Coach of Bandari FC, Ken Ochieng, regarding our financial struggles and the alleged use of smaller-sized substandard match balls during our recent away fixture against his team. As a club that upholds fair play, while we understand the emotions that come with football, it is important to address such claims with facts and professionalism,” part of the team’s statement read.

“Firstly, regarding the match balls, it is important to emphasize that the FKF Premier League currently does not operate with standardized match balls despite different size 5 ball brands being used by different clubs including his. A recommendation to introduce standardized match & training balls that will be used across all the league fixtures & by all teams through a standardized ball supply system by one match ball supplier in the new season was made by us,”

“The unnecessary claims by Coach Ken despite his team being the home team that our soccer balls were substandard are misleading and only create unnecessary excuses and distractions from his coaching performance and ego despite coaching one of the heaviest-funded clubs. These claims are inaccurate and misleading and as a club, we find it unfortunate that such egotistical statements are being used to shift focus from the actual game,” Sofapaka said.

Odhiambo also launched a veiled attack on the club’s financial situation, stressing that teams need to get their acts together or quit football and try other ventures like sell vegetables.

In their response, Sofapaka has reiterated their commitment to stick by professional standards as they work to mitigate their financial challenges.

“Secondly, on the issue of financial constraints, we acknowledge that a majority of our Kenyan football clubs are facing challenges, including his team. Individually owned clubs are navigating even tougher financial situations, therefore we believe that such matters should not be used as post-match narratives,” the club said.

Emotions

The former league champions have also asked for a reciprocation of the same respect they have accorded to all other opponents.

“Football is a game of results, and while emotions run high after matches, we will always strive to show respect for this sport and most importantly our opponents. As Sofapaka FC and 2009 Kenya Premier League Champions, we remain committed to the integrity of the game and working towards the growth of our club and Kenyan football.”

The exchange between the teams highlights the grim reality plight of football in the country, a struggle that transcends down to the lower levels of grassroot football.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) during one of its recent meeting with representatives from FKF Premier League clubs at Kandanda House canvassed on issues aimed at improving the league structures and standards.

After the session, President Hussein Mohammed emphasised the importance of such engagements in ensuring a more professional and structured league.

It remains to be seen efforts the new administration puts in place to salvage the plight of football in Kenya.