Shabana FC are gearing up for their second season in the FKF Premier League, determined to improve last campaign’s performance. After earning promotion from the second tier, the team battled fiercely, fighting until the very last day to secure their spot in the top flight.Their return to the league was marked by a challenging first half of the season, which was further complicated by the delayed replacement of coach Sam Okoth following his departure in November.Despite these challenges, the Kisii-based club injected fresh energy into the league, driven by their passionate fanbase. Their final-day victory over Murang’a Seal was a huge relief, securing their place in Kenya’s top tier for another season.Last Season’s Finish##NAJAVA_MECA_8276710##Shabana finished 14th last season, thanks to a late resurgence in the final games that saw them leapfrog teams like Sofapaka and FC Talanta, ending with a total of 38 points.Predicted FinishThe team has addressed many of the issues from last season, starting with the technical bench and player roster. They have strengthened both areas, although the future of assistant coach Godfrey Oduor remains uncertain. Importantly, the club has retained all the players they wanted, despite interest from other teams, which is a significant boost.Given their new signings and strong pre-season performance, where the team seems to be gelling well, a top-eight finish is a realistic expectation for the Glamour Boys. Returning to their Gusii Stadium home ground will also provide a major advantage.”I believe a good preseason is key, and this time around, we’ve had a better one than last year. We’ve had over a month to prepare before the league kicks off. I’ve also made good signings, and I’m confident we’ll compete better,” says coach Sammy Omolo.”Last season, we played home matches away from home, which didn’t bring out the best in us in terms of home support and home advantage. This season, we’ll benefit greatly from playing at home. We’ve learned our lessons, and as a team, we’re more mature than we were when we returned to the top tier. We’ve gelled, and now it’s time to perform,” he continues.Daniel Minjis urges FKF to balance men’s and women’s footballTransfers In and OutThe club has been very active in the transfer window, retaining only 13 players from last year’s squad: Fredrick Otinda, Dimpol Omamo, George Orako, Mark Okola, Benard Otieno, Justine Omwando, Christopher Raila, Lamec Onwonga, Samuel Maiko, Brian Michira, Ezekiah Omuri, Mathew Tegisi, and Vincent Nyabuto. The rest were released.New faces at the club include Maxwell Mulili, Steve Ochieng, Elvis Osok, Nicholas Meja, Brian Bett, Brian Marvin, Sam Kintu, Shem Odinga, Cliff Nyakeya, James Mazembe, and Kevin Omundi.Key Players to WatchShabana has several players expected to shine this season. Brian Michira was crucial in helping the team with important goals toward the end of last season and remains vital. New signing Cliff Nyakeya, with his experience at the national team level and in both local and foreign leagues, is another key player to watch.Ugandan midfielder Sam Kintu, along with new attackers James Mazembe and Kevin Omundi, are also expected to make significant contributions.Young Player to WatchWhile Shabana has not signed any unknown young players yet, young forward Ezekiah Omuri, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, is the one to watch. He bagged goals and assists last season and he remains a crucial player for the team despite his young age. His pace and trickery can be a handful for players to handle.Mutinda eyeing first league title with KCB following return from 16 months injury layoffHead CoachDespite uncertainty surrounding his future, Sammy Omolo remains the head coach. Last season, he successfully helped Shabana retain their top-flight status. With his experience managing teams like Posta Rangers, Tusker FC, Mahakama FC, and KCB FC, where he won the league with Tusker, Omolo is a coach who can achieve great things with Shabana.His experience and excellent player management skills are crucial to the team’s success. He has also been instrumental in selecting the new players, and building a team he believes in, and it will be interesting to see how far they can go next season.First Five FixturesShabana’s first five games are against Bidco United (away), Kenya Police FC (home), Ulinzi Stars (away), Posta Rangers (home), and Mara Sugar (away). On paper, these matches are manageable and could go either way.They secured wins over Bidco and Posta towards the end of last season, and they might start with triumphs against them again. Police are the toughest team in this bracket, but with the support of their fans, they could get a result against the Law Enforcers.Ulinzi, one of the teams that beat Shabana both home and away last season, have undergone player and coaching changes, making the outcome uncertain. Shabana won a friendly match 2-0 against Ulinzi last week, indicating they are ready to compete.Mara Sugar, newcomers to the league, will be facing Shabana for the first time, making it a match that is unpredictable.Overall, Shabana has a relatively favourable opening five games, which could set the tone for their season depending on how they perform.Brian Otieno assesses Mara Sugar’s preparedness for FKF Premier League debutPotential ChallengesThere are concerns about their current sponsor, a gaming firm, facing issues that, if unresolved or if a new sponsor is not secured, could create financial difficulties for the team. Currently, salary arrears are owed to both current and former players, which could be problematic.Another potential challenge is the issue of where they will host their games. Shabana insists their matches will be held at Gusii Stadium, but the fixtures released a fortnight ago still list Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as their home ground. This is a problem they need to resolve quickly to ensure they enjoy the full support of their home fans.Firat commences Harambee Stars’ plans for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
