Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has warned opponents that they are yet to see the best of his team, outlining his ambitious plans to make the club not just league participants, but genuine title contenders.The Gusii-based club is currently ninth on the standings with 20 points, seven behind league leaders KCB FC. As the new year approaches, Shabana hopes to make a strong push for the title and end their quest for silverware by the season’s close.##NAJAVA_MECA_8598361##Okidi, who took over two months ago, has been instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around. All five of the team’s wins this season have come under his leadership, and he believes this is just the beginning.“We are yet to see the best of Shabana,” he said confidently. “This team will only get better, and we will make it very hard for opponents. We want to become a nightmare for other teams in this league.”He also emphasized the need for Shabana to aim higher, insisting that merely participating in the league is not enough. Okidi wants his team to challenge for the league title and the Mozzart Bet Cup.Baron Ochieng on how Robert Matano converted him into a winger“The title race is wide open, and I want Shabana firmly in the mix,” he explained. “We can’t be satisfied with just being in the league; we have to compete at the top. That’s the mentality I want to instil in the players. We should be aiming for the league title and other trophies like the Mozzart Bet Cup, which offers a chance for continental football if we win.”When asked about the changes he implemented to revive the team, Okidi pointed to a shift in mentality as the key factor. He helped the players understand the significance of representing a big club, which, he noted, was well-received by the squad.“When we arrived, we spoke to the players about raising their game. We made them understand that this is a big club, and the response from the players and everyone within the club has been positive. That has made things easier for us,” he explained.Shabana’s Brian Michira on how he will cope with Mathew Tegisi’s absenceOkidi added that Shabana now commands more respect from opponents, a stark contrast to when they were at the bottom of the table, winless and with just three points.“We have become a more formidable team. We fight for all the points, whether at home or away. Opponents now approach us with fear and respect, which wasn’t the case before when teams were confident of beating us,” he concluded.Shabana’s next league game is against Bandari on Sunday 5 January 2025 in Ukunda.Why Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards need a local coach – Ken Kenyatta
