American Melis Medo Resigns As Sofapaka Coach, Baraza Takes Charge

NAIROBI, Kenya- American-Egyptian Melis Medo has resigned as coach of SportPesa Premier League (SPL) side Sofapaka FC after only seven matches in charge, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Batoto ba Mungu have re-appointed assistant coach and former Kenyan international John Baraza to take over the role after Medo announced his decision to leave the club.

Medo, took over the reigns as head coach last November succeeding Ugandan tactician Sam Timbe who left Sofapaka mid last year.

"Melis has resigned, he is no longer our coach. We have our targets here and maybe after initial struggles, the coach has decided to leave.

“John Baraza will take over as caretaker coach until we find a suitable replacement for him,” Club President Elly Kalekwa stated.

The former Nakumatt FC coach, now known as Mt. Kenya United FC, has failed to make a winning start in charge only winning once in his seven matches in charge.

Remarkable fashion

His streak also includes four draws and two losses, most recently a 3-2 loss to 2016 champions Tusker FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

“We still have a target for the season, which is to win the league title.

“Despite the minor setback, this remains achievable and we are very prepared to challenge for the title,” Kalekwa added.

Sofapaka are in the hunt for a first league title since 2009, where they won it in remarkable fashion having just been promoted from the National Super League (NSL).

Batoto Ba Mungu currently sit in 11th place with seven points, ten behind league leaders Mathare United FC.

Baraza’s first assignment will be a home match against seventh-place Sony Sugar FC on Saturday, January 19 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.