Soy United players during their game against Luanda Villa/HANDOUT
Soy United FC coach Jeffers Odongo says he is satisfied with his side’s 10th-place finish in their maiden National Super League (NSL) campaign despite falling short of their promotion ambitions.
Odongo had initially targeted qualification for the SportPesa Premier League but admitted that a series of challenges derailed those plans. “We faced a lot of challenges, especially in the second leg. Financial difficulties contributed to our inconsistencies. It was a tough season with setbacks,” said Odongo.
The club’s financial struggles were compounded by the hospitalisation of patron Edwin Ayiro, further affecting the team’s operations. “However, I’m happy with the performance of the players. Despite the challenges, we finished 10th on the log with 52 points,” he added.
The CAF B-licensed coach noted that most members of the squad were featuring in the second tier for the first time and adapted well to the demands of the league.
He also pointed to the departure of more than 10 players during the mid-season transfer window as a major factor behind the team’s dip in form in the second half of the campaign. “We did not get quality replacements because of financial issues. However, I’m happy that the players got opportunities to play in the SportPesa League,” Odongo said.
Despite the setbacks, Odongo believes Soy United have laid a strong foundation and can challenge for promotion next season. “With good guidance and motivation, this team will go far. We can challenge for promotion next season,” remarked the tactician.
Soy United finished 10th in the standings with 52 points after registering 14 wins, 10 draws and 14 defeats. Odongo identified January as the club’s best month after they won all their matches, while February proved their most difficult period as they lost all their fixtures.
The coach singled out top scorer Alfred Ratolo and teenage defender Sydney Otieno for special praise. Ratolo, 19, scored 12 goals from open play during the campaign. “This is a national team player. He will fit into the shoes of Dennis Oliech and Michael Olunga if he continues to work hard,” Odongo said.
He also lauded 17-year-old Otieno, a former Bukembe High School student, for adapting quickly to the demands of the NSL. “At just 17, he had never played in any league. I handed him his debut in the second leg, and I was impressed by his performance,” he added.
Migori United, 3K FC and Mombasa United secured promotion to the SportPesa Premier League, while Darajani Gogo, Mully Children’s Family (MCF), Vihiga United and Mwatate United were relegated to the third tier. However, promotion and relegation matters remain unresolved after the Sports Disputes Tribunal halted the process.
