Sofapaka FC head coach Ezekiel Akwana has warned that his side will go all out to retain top-flight status in Sunday's promotion playoff second-leg clash with Naivas FC at the Dandora stadium.
Sofapaka won the opening leg 1-0 at the same venue last weekend.
Jacob Onyango’s late strike handed Batoto Ba Mungu the edge, but Akwana insists they will not rest on their laurels.
"We will not just sit back because we are ahead on aggregate. Our mission is clear: stay in the Premier League. We're going all out for victory," Akwana remarked.
Batoto Ba Mungu are fighting to avoid relegation after finishing 16th in the FKF Premier League with 36 points.
In contrast, Naivas FC eye promotion to the KPL, a maiden appearance, after finishing third in the National Super League (NSL) with 76 points, behind Mathare United (82) and Mara Sugar (84).
Mathare and Mara grabbed the two automatic qualification slots.
Akwana acknowledged their opponents as worthy competitors.
"Naivas is a strong and highly motivated team. We're not taking our advantage for granted," he added.
Sofapaka’s experienced skipper Humphrey Miano echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team's readiness for the decisive clash.
“We are ready for the clash... physically and mentally. The coach has prepared us on how to neutralise any threats from our opponents,” Miano said.
Miano emphasised the importance of their supporters, calling on the '12th man' to pack the stands.
“This is a big game for us. It’s a final that will decide our fate in the Premier League. We call on our fans to turn up in large numbers and support us to get the victory,” Miano said.
In the event of a tie on aggregate at the end of the second leg, the team with the most away goals will prevail.
However, should the away goals also be level, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
