APS Bomet FC’s promotion earning side in 2022 had in its ranks a handful of players who had never tasted top tier football. George Onyango, formerly with the now defunct Eldoret Youth FC, was one of those fresh-faced lads eager to step into the FKF Premier League 2022/23 season.This was not to be as APS – through a verdict by the Football Kenya Federation- were instructed to do another season in the second tier. APS management however, stood their ground and never honoured a single match hence the further relegation into the FKF Division One that followed. It is an understatement to say the entire squad was devastated. Relief came in the mid-season when they were released and Onyango quickly heeded a call from coach Sammy Okoth at Shabana FC. He says he wasted no time travelling to Gusii land.‘’It was a huge relief when the mid-season came because during the first leg, we couldn’t move to other clubs and we also weren’t playing. I had been doing my personal training so when Shabana called, I was ready to fit in,’’ says the lanky forward. Barely four months later and with four matches to go in the NSL, Onyango’s side Shabana have already secured a slot in the 2023/24 FKF Premier League season. Tied on 64 points with fellow promotees Murang’a Seal FC, Shabana’s 1-0 Sunday win over Migori Youth sealed their return to top flight football after 17 years in the cold. It was joy unparalleled at the Guise stadium. FKF DIV ONE: Gor Mahia Youth relegated, Green Commandos shine as Malindi Progressive falters‘’We had seen it coming,’’ says Onyango. ‘’The relentless attitude from everyone in the team was enough to see us cross the finish line this early. It was also important to seal it with four matches to go so as not to be disappointed on the final day.’’##NAJAVA_MECA_7331199##He says focus now shifts on winning first position hence becoming the 2022/23 National Super League champions. With four matches- and their rivals Seal with three- Shabana stands advantaged if only they can claim all twelve points on offer. Onyango wants that first place medal.‘’Earning promotion is good but earning it while in first position is a huge statement even to the clubs we will face in the premier league. I am confident we will emerge champions,’’ concludes the former AP’s Bomet skipper.Shabana will travel to 5th placed Darajani Gogo on June 23rd, a dicey fixture while Murang’a Seal sit out the next round’s action.
