After a 17-year stay in the Kenyan Premier League, 2009 champions Sofapaka suffered their first-ever relegation to the National Super League (NSL) following a 2-2 draw against Mathare United.
The loss brings to an end Batoto ba Mungu’s 17 seasons in the top flight, having joined the top tier in 2009, where they announced their arrival in style by winning the title in their maiden campaign.
But as things stand, with just 18 points on the board so far, they can only reach a maximum of 30.
That won’t be enough to save them, especially since 15th-placed Ulinzi Stars already have 31 points.
And this time around, there will be no playoff spot with a National Super League side – something they narrowly survived with in the 2023/24 season before finishing seventh last year under coach Ezekiel Akwana.
As for Mathare, the single point which could have easily been three, only for them to let it slip late – would have boosted their chances of escaping the relegation zone.
Instead, they have moved to 35 points in 12th  place, sitting six points clear of 16th-placed Kariobangi Sharks, who have 29.
Sofapaka have been on a downward trajectory in recent seasons, occasioned by the financial challenges faced by the club.
The Elly Kalekwa-owned side had been flirting with relegation in the past few seasons, and, having escaped narrowly, the wide jaws of relegation have finally swallowed them.
Sofapaka went into the match rooted at the bottom of the log with 17 points, 14 shy of Ulinzi Stars, who are just above the relegation zone and had to win in order to prolong what was an imminent drop to the NSL.
For Sofapaka, their 17-year journey in the SportPesa League is about to come to an end, and they will be hoping to bow out on a high note as they head to the NSL, with four games still to play against Posta Rangers, KCB, Shabana, before wrapping up their campaign against Kariobangi Sharks.
Sofapaka vs Mathare United lineups
- Sofapaka: Sitawa, Ochino, Kvelo, Ng’ang’a, Shaibu, Bonney, Musumba, Odim, Lihanda, Barasa, Miheso
- Mathare United:Â Mboya, Kiprotich, Omondi, Atano, Nyawir, Kilume, Nyambane, Ouru, Omweri, Masika, Mark Makwata
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