Shofco Eyeing Promotion To NSL After Kits For Africa Boost

NAIROBI, Kenya- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One side, Shofco FC, are inspired to win their competition this season after receiving uniform under the Kits For Africa initiative on Sunday evening at the Kibera DC Grounds in Nairobi.

Shofco was among the 23 clubs based in the largest slum in East and Central Africa presented with boxes of sport gear donated by English Premier League sides, Southampton FC and Everton FC as well as Hull City FC who play in the second tier English Championship in partnership with leading gaming firm SportPesa.

The presentation was part of a flurry of activities that saw the SportPesa display and commentary truck- otherwise known as Stadium on Wheels- beam the English Premier League Sunday double header featuring Liverpool FC versus West Ham United FC before Arsenal welcomed champions Manchester City FC to the Emirates.

“We appreciate these uniforms we have received today, we are going to replace them with the ones we have been using in the league which are old and worn out.

“Our aim is to top the standings and qualify for FKF National Super League (NSL) next year. As you know, the Super League is the gate pass to the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) that is our ultimate dream,”Shofco representative, Yvonne Kerubo, remarked.

Shofco is best remembered for beating a select squad from visiting Hull 2-0, in a nine-aside friendly held at Undugu Grounds in Kibera in May.

Nicholas Dendwa and Kevin Ntonya scored in the second half of the entertaining match where Hull fielded some of their known stars including Kevin Stuart and Fraizer Campbell.

Shofco are fourth in Division One with 46 points from 30 matches in their quest to finish among the top two and earn promotion to the second tier.

Prolific players

The side has produced some prolific players plying their trade in the SPL, among them Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards SC striker, Vincent Oburu.

NSL highfliers Kenya Commercial Bank FC captain, Bethwel Warambo and Nesta Kemboi of Katoloni FC in Machakos County are others with roots at the third-tier club.

“I was helped to overcome my drug addiction at Shofco. The lessons in life skills I got there have helped me to become a better human being,”Kemboi testified.

At the same time, SPL side Sony Sugar FC defender, Victor Akula, received Kits For Africa jerseys on behalf of his former club, South Sudan FC based in Silanga area of Kibera.

“I always do my best to remember South Sudan because this is where my talent was discovered and nurtured. I have pledged to add them balls on top of these beautiful uniforms they have received today,”Akula emphasized.

John Odongo of Busia Rangers FC, also based in Silanga, said they would use the donation to help them pursue their dream that is to qualify for FKF County League play-offs at the end of the year.

“We are seventh with 33 after 16 games. Our aim is to finish in top three so we can be eligible for FKF Provincial League in 2019,”Odongo stated.

Busia is where scouts identified the talent of former Mathare United FC striker and 2008 Premier League Golden Boot winner, Francis Ouma.

Kajulu FC captain, Fredrick Odhiambo, enthused they would no longer play some of their games shirtless as they now have two pairs of kit to change into for the rest of the campaign.

Evans Kariuki of ATM FC echoed Odhiambo’s remarks adding they would turn out decked in the kit from August 24 at a tournament set for Woodley Grounds in Kibera.

The teams and their representatives were part of the mammoth crowd that watched the EPL offering on giant screens mounted on the truck that has changed the match day experience in the country since it was launched at the end of last year.

Liverpool enjoyed a sizzling start to the 2018/19 EPL season with a 4-0 thumping of the hammers before the Gunners came up short against the champions who rode to a 0-2 victory at The Emirates.

Other activities lined up for the day including trivia questions where assorted official replica jerseys, balls, mugs and wristbands were up for grabs.

SportPesa Senior Content Editor, Lola Okulo, said the truck will move to Nairobi Eastlands this weekend where teams from Kamakis and Buru Buru will benefit from the Kits For Africa initiative.

-Report by Erick Ochieng'

Teams That Benefited From Kits For Africa Initiative In Kibera

1. Liberty FC

2. Gyff FC

3.KMH FC

4. Mustach FC

5. Kajulu FC

6. West Boys FC

7. Chipolopolo FC

8. Wazee FC

9. Busia Rangers FC

10. Golden Boys FC

11. New Stars FC

12. Morefire FC

13. Bangili FC

14. South Sudan FC

15. Paradise FC

16. River Plate FC

17. Black burn FC

18. DX FC

19. Mizuka FC

20. Loketo FC

21. Danger Zone FC

22. Sixty Eight FC

23. Shofco FC