The FKF Premier League has witnessed plenty of tactical plays in the way clubs approach matches. No surprise there have been huge upsets in the first round of the 2024/2025 campaign, some not so easy to explain.Shabana FC began the season on the wrong foot and had to experience coaching changes at some point in order to turn things around.Kevin Juma among four released by Gor MahiaTheir last five matches have seen them dispatch title favourites Tusker FC, draw against Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari FC, a narrow edging of Sofapaka and just one loss – surprisingly coming from a relegation-threatened Mathare United.Shem Odinga mans the central midfield for coach Peter Okidi, sometimes sparingly used but when the club is in dire straits, thrown in full throttle. He says he approaches every single game according to the coach’s instruction.##NAJAVA_MECA_8684774##”Personally, I’m impressed with my improved form. I get to start occasionally and most times I get to deliver. This goes in part as to how the coaches have structured our match days with players assigned specific roles,” says the deep-lying playmaker who came on in the second half as the Glamour Boys dispatched Tusker four rounds ago.The Tusker contest is an adequate example of how coaches turn to their bench in a bid to consolidate an unexpected victory. Having studied the former champions’ shortcomings- and perhaps seeing the prospect of a win, coach Okidi threw in Odinga to put the midfield under lock and key.Former Harambee Stars attacker Elijah Koranga passes away”There are matches that I have to come from the bench and looking back, I think I equally did well in those too as compared to the ones I get to start. It feels good when coaches show confidence in you like that,” he continues.His deep-lying position keeps him primarily in central midfield- a position that has prevented him from getting involved in goals so far. He, however, hopes things change in the second leg.##NAJAVA_MECA_8684709##”We run a lot in the midfield, use a lot of energy, and that’s usually to enable our forwards to get into prime goal-scoring positions. I haven’t had much luck in the way of goals lately. I hope I will before the season ends,” the former FC Talanta man continued.Shabana’s recent run has them in the top eight, just nine points away from leaders Kenya Police. Odinga admits it has been a long climb.George Maelo on why Kenya Police are ripe to lift FKFPL title”We are not where we want as a team but considering how the season started for us, we have managed to crawl up nicely. More can always be achieved,” he concludes.The side travels to Posta Rangers FC on Sunday 9 February.
