Newly promoted Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Shabana FC will soon roll out a member registration drive as one way of monetising their huge fan base for the purposes of self-sustainability. The club will also open a second office in the capital Nairobi to better serve their fans outside their Kisii backyard. “Our main focus as a community club was to make sure that the community feels the ownership of the club, which we have succeeded in doing,” Shabana FC Chief Executive Officer Elizaphan Kerama told Mozzart Sport. Out of this sense of ownership, even without a shirt sponsor, the club was able to successfully run its affairs purely from the support they got from the community.##NAJAVA_MECA_7365344##Gate takings were one major source of income for Shabana FC, and so were donations from local leaders and well-wishers, who came forth to be part of the beautiful story of the club’s renaissance. Yet, Kerama feels that moving forward, and as they begin a new life in the more financially demanding FKFPL, they cannot solely bank on those two revenue streams.”We need other strategies of getting funds to sustain the club. We’re soon rolling out member registration nationwide. It’s a ready market, and we’re looking forward to changing the numbers into finances,” he revealed.Kerama hinted at a financial partner coming on board before the start of the new season.”There are a number of institutions that have approached us, we have also approached several others, and soon before the next season begins, we shall unveil our financial partner,” he said.In a recent announcement, Kisii County Governor Hon. Simba Arati, a staunch supporter of Shabana, revealed that he had helped secure the club more than Ksh. 20 million from an unnamed Chinese company.NSL top scorer Nyamawi Beja seals move to BandariCourtesy of Arati, Shabana has been able to use Gusii Stadium as their home ground free of charge.To maximize on gate takings and ensure better security of fans, the facility will be closed this week to allow for the reinforcement of security features, including erecting a perimeter wall around the playing area.”Football Kenya Federation (FKF) already made recommendations on what security features should be in place and work will begin this week with the help of the county government. The playing surface will also be improved,” Kerama said.Kerama is not ruling out hosting high risk games involving Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards away from Gusii Stadium next season at more spacious facilities. “It’s a possibility. We have to be realistic. Even Nyayo Stadium may not be able to hold such games, so from where I sit, only Kasarani Stadium will be ideal,” he said.KSF stakeholders all but resolved in wait for World Aquatics decisionTo ensure continuity, Shabana will keep their technical bench led by coach Sammy Okoth. The management also intends to give as many opportunities as possible to the current members of the squad to feature in the upcoming FKFPL season.”We have been preparing the players mentally and physically for the challenge of playing in the Premier League. You may not see 100% transition from the Super League to Premier League, it’s not possible anywhere, but we intend to keep a big number of our current players,” Kerama assured.Shabana was formed 42 years ago by Kisii-based businessman Dogo Khan. On Saturday, as Shabana was crowned the National Super League (NSL) champions, Khan was amongst the invited guests.”The story of Shabana can never be complete without mentioning (Dogo) Khan. He may not be actively involved with the club now, or hold a position due to old age, but at every opportunity, we want to show him that we appreciate him, and we want to continue his legacy,” Kerama finished.
