- Bidco United delivered one of their best performances on Sunday, June 22, as they beat Sofapaka 2-1 to secure a spot in the 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
- It was Dennis Murunga’s two goals that helped them escape the relegation axe.
- While Akhulia has not confirmed whether he will remain at Bidco United next season, he expressed his desire to build a more formidable and ambitious team.
Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia has credited his team’s dramatic escape from relegation in the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League to divine intervention and unwavering faith.
Having spent the majority of the season entrenched in the drop zone, Bidco produced a stunning turnaround on the final day by edging out Sofapaka 2-1, a victory that lifted them just above the relegation line and preserved their top-flight status by the slimmest of margins.
Sofapaka appeared to extinguish Bidco’s hopes early in the first half of the encounter held at Ruaraka Grounds on Sunday, June 22, when Joseph Kuloba opened the scoring.
However, the match’s standout performer and undisputed hero, Dennis Murunga, restored parity just three minutes later and sealed the win with his second goal in the second half.
Despite finishing level on 35 points with already relegated Nairobi City Stars and FC Talanta, as well as playoff-bound Posta Rangers, Bidco’s superior goal difference ensured their survival.
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Bidco United boss attributes relegation escape to divine intervention
Speaking to Azam TV Sports after the game, the Harambee Stars U20 assistant coach credited their survival to faith, emphasizing that divine favor played a pivotal role in their success, contrary to widespread expectations of their downfall.
First, I want to congratulate my team. I think we’ve really done a tremendous job surviving the league on the very last day, when everyone thought we were going down. Again, I’m a person who believes in God, and it is through God that we’ve won.
It is God who has kept us in the league for another season. I know we’ve surprised many with our comeback and our place in the top flight, especially considering we were in last position before this final match,” Akhulia stated.
Akhulia vows to transform Bidco United into competitors
He also shed light on the tactical adjustments that enabled his side to overcome the formidable Sofapaka.
Surviving means we have learned a lot, and we have to improve on several things next season. During this match, at halftime, I went into the dressing room and told the boys to understand what we really want, where we are, and that we need to stay in the league for another season.
When you look at all the matches we have played, I don’t think there’s a single one where you could say Bidco were easy to beat. We’ve often had the upper hand, but still didn’t get the results.”
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While Akhulia has not confirmed whether he will remain at Bidco United next season, he expressed his desire to build a more formidable and ambitious team.
“I don’t know if I will be at the club next season, but we have to build a team that can truly compete. It shouldn’t be a team that fights relegation every season. This year, we’ve been battling to stay up and that’s not a positive thing. So we need to build a motivated team next season.”
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