Nzoia Sugar head coach Steve Biko has labeled the return of seasoned centre-back Harun Shakava a massive boost in their fight to beat relegation to the National Super League (NSL).Biko disclosed that the experienced central defender resumed training at the start of the week after recovering from an illness that saw him miss two league assignments.Shakava joined Nzoia in the mid-season transfer window on loan from Kenya Police and made his debut for the sugarmen against Posta Rangers last month.He missed the subsequent three matches against Bidco United, Bandari, and last weekend’s 2-0 loss to AFC Leopards.##NAJAVA_MECA_7930333##The tactician admitted that conceding has been Nzoia’s achilles heel and the return of the league-winning Shakava with Gor Mahia comes in handy.“Our biggest challenge has been the defence. We have been conceding easy goals making the fight for survival a little bit difficult. The availability of Shakava will make it easier going forward as he brings in leadership and confidence to the rest of defenders,” said Biko who was hired to replace Godfrey Oduor at the start of the year.Inside Nairobi City Stars’ remarkable turnaround – from relegation candidates to sixth on the FKFPL logBiko recalled that the team displayed maturity in defence in their 1-0 loss to Rangers, a game that marked Shakava’s debut for the sugarmen.“In our game against Rangers which Shakava played, the backline had confidence and concentrated throughout. Unfortunately, he fell ill probably due to a change of weather, and was unavailable for the next three matches. We are glad to see him back training,” said the former Agrochemicals coach.Shakava eager to hit ground running at Nzoia, help team escape relegationMeanwhile, the former Mara Sugar gaffer remained confident of wrestling Nzoia from the difficult ground and leading the outfit to a respectable finish.He said the remaining eleven games are crucial for the club, especially the ones they will play in front of home fans, and called on his charges to remain focused on the tasks ahead.“We have more than thirty points to be contested and I believe we will gather a good number and finish outside the red zone,” he added.
