Shabana FC head coach Robert Ojienda says he will have to rebuild after losing seven players to formed his first 11 last season.The National Super League side bad been backed for promotion when Ojienda took over but a dip in performance in crucial stages of the season saw the Kisii County based team drop off in the race and at the end of the season they finished in 8th position.The team has further been dealt a blow when teams raided them for players. Maurice Dukully and Mohammed Coulibally decamped to FC Talanta while Kakamega Homeboyz roped in keeper Elix Otieno. Brian Magare has moved to Kisumu All-Stars while moneyed Murang’a Seal is set to sign Brian Marvin and Abud Traore. This has left the team weaker and Ojienda admits there is a lot of work to be done as for example he lost all his three shot-stoppers.Warm upUp next APS BOMET VS SHABANA FC pic.twitter.com/KGnqY7PoMt— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) October 8, 2021 “We are basically building a new team because other clubs raided us for key players. We have so far lost seven players who were starters so basically I am left with only four players who were starters last season. In other areas like the goalkeeping department I have lost all the players and that means we will have to recruit new keepers,” he stated.Ojienda is however not mourning over the departures and is already working towards replacing the departees. Although he admits that the time left before the new season commences is shot, he is trying to make the most out of it. “The players who have left include Maurice Dukully and Mohammed Coulibally who have moved to FC Talanta, Brian Magare has joined Kisumu All-Stars, Elix Otieno and John Musyoka moved to Kakamega Homeboyz, Abud Traore and Brian Marvin Ochieng are yet to resume training but we understand they could be joining another National Super League team. This is a big number of players to lose but we cannot fold our arms and watch, we have to hit the ground and start rebuilding, we have identified some replacements and although time is not on our side, we will try to do what we can within the short period left before the new season resumes,” he added.💬 “Thank you so much for your support, your energy and your belief…”~ Robert Ojienda Head CoachGood things will be coming our way with Ojienda on the wheels💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/bFeWy0Ncge— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) October 8, 2021 The former Migori Youth boss will be hoping to guide the team back to the top-flight next season.
