Shabana FC’s recent crowning moment in the National Super League (NSL), having emerged champions of the 2022/23 season, breathes fresh air into the top flight FKF Premier League. A community club that has been in the cold for decades, the Kisii-based outfit- backed by thousands of fans all over the country- takes top flight football to a region that has experienced declining levels of football over the past few years.All credits to coach Sammy Okoth and his charges, yet one thing stands out; many of his players have been here before. It was all a matter of conditioning the team’s immense experience to the tough world of second tier football. Mustapha Oduor, returning to the Premier League with Shabana, has seen it all. ‘’It’s very true most of my teammates are experienced regarding top flight football but that is not at all to say it has been easy in the National Super League. As a matter of fact, some would argue that it’s tougher down there,’’ says the well traveled goalkeeper was in the books of Mathare United in the first leg of the 2022/23 PL season.Oduor suffered relegation with Vihiga United at the hands of Kenya Police in a play-off tie at the end of the 2021 season and was quickly snapped up by Wazito FC. An ankle injury would, however, force him out midway through the 2022 season and he had to be laid off for recovery. ‘’I had done my best at Vihiga even though we were relegated, and my teammates at the time too. You can tell this by the clubs they joined after that, top clubs in the country and we all went on to perform,’’ recounts Oduor who made eight appearances for Shabana in the second leg keeping an impressive five clean sheets. Okumu showered with praise despite Gent’s Saturday loss##NAJAVA_MECA_7364595##The lanky 26 year old admits that his ankle injury derailed his career at a time when he was flying high but is ready to pick up from where he left. ‘’Injuries happen, mine was unfortunate but I am glad to be back again. The rest was much needed. Had it not happened I could have made a lot of progress but that is not to say I cannot continue from where I left,’’ continues Mustapha. The former Nzoia Sugar and Bandari FC goalkeeper made the mid-season switch from the then top flight team Mathare United to heed his former Coach at Vihiga Sammy Okoth’s call. After all, many of his former teammates at United were already with Coach Okoth at Shabana. ‘’I needed to play, so I moved to a team where I was more familiar with the players and the coaches. I’m relieved it worked out.’’ concludes the goalkeeper who even managed a goal at their famed Gusii stadium. Oduor, GOTV Shield winner with Bandari in 2019, adds the NSL medal to his trophy cabinet- and hopes to add more with Shabana when the season begins. Shaban ended the season with 70 points from 31 matches, two ahead of Murang’a Seal who join the top flight for the very first time in their history.
