Sofapaka coach set to lock horns with ex-employer

Coach Sam Ssimbwa will face his former club, KCCA when Sofapaka hosts Ugandan champions in a friendly match on January 26.

Ssimbwa last handled KCCA about nine years ago, between 2002 and 2009, but the ex-Ugandan Cranes player will be reunited with his former employer when the Ugandan champions come face to face with Batoto ba Mungu at Narok stadium.

Before Sofapaka match, KCCA will play K’Ogalo on Saturday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Ssimbwa believes that the match will give him the opportunity to gauge his players, especially the new signings.

“To play them (KCCA) in preseason is an important part of our preparations and we have more plans in the coming few days. I hope we can head to the new season fully fit,” Ssimbwa told Sofapaka portal.

Sofapaka have also lined up another friendly with Sudanese giants Al Hilal.

Al Hilal match will be staged on Wednesday, January 31 at the same venue.

“Al Hilal is among the big teams in the continent and with new players in my team, what a better way can we get to help them gel ahead of the season than taking on the big teams around? We will definitely gain a lot from this game just like the KCCA one.

“We are really working hard in training and after this clash, I believe we will be ready for the new season,” he added.

Sofapaka will open their 2018 campaign against Bandari FC on February 4.