As curtains fell on the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season over the weekend, Shabana FC emerged as one of the standout teams, finishing an impressive fifth.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe position marked The Glamour Boys’ best top-flight performance since their promotion from the National Super League (NSL) in 2023.For a club that had narrowly escaped relegation in their return season just a year ago, this remarkable transformation has been hailed as a testament to strategic planning, bold decisions, and unwavering support from their fans.Why former Spurs midfielder warned teammates against going close to Victor WanyamaAt the heart of the resurgence is club captain George Onyango, who credited two pivotal elements — the return to Gusii Stadium and strategic player acquisitions — as key to their turnaround.”It has been a great season, to be honest,” Onyango remarked. “Playing at home in front of our fanbase, which was a missing spark last season, truly worked the magic. That shift alone gave us an extra push.”Shabana began the season by returning to their traditional home, Gusii Stadium, after a season away at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay due to renovations. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8992129##Although the Kisii-based side endured a shaky start, they turned their home ground into a fortress, clinching nine of their 14 total wins there. Notable scalps included eventual champions Kenya Police, Tusker, AFC Leopards, KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Bandari.This was in stark contrast to their previous campaign, where home form was inconsistent and fan engagement was limited due to logistical challenges.Kenyan referee to officiate Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup clashThe comfort of familiar surroundings, buoyed by a passionate local crowd, rejuvenated the squad.Complementing the home advantage was the club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market.Following a difficult return to the top tier, Shabana bolstered their squad with a mix of experienced and emerging talent.##NAJAVA_MECA_8992145##Key signings included Maxwell Mulili (AFC Leopards), Atariza Meja (Bandari), Elvis Osok (Posta Rangers), Darius Msagha (Sofapaka), Steve Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), and youthful forward Austin Odongo, among others.Mid-season additions such as Keith Imbali, Moses Shikanda, and Douglas Mokaya also proved instrumental.”The club’s effort to bring in quality players solved major gaps we had,” Onyango emphasised. “The new signings integrated well and provided depth and competitiveness, which gave us an edge.”Kenyan winger secures promotion to Spanish second tier with Real Sociedad BShabana’s upward trajectory gained further momentum after a managerial change early in the season.With results not forthcoming in the opening five matches under coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, the club turned to Peter Okidi and Bernard Mwalala, the duo that defied expectations and reignited the team’s belief.Under their leadership, the club went on an eight-match unbeaten streak — only bettered by Kakamega Homeboyz (13) and Kenya Police (12).##NAJAVA_MECA_8992117##”When we started, we had a raw and shaky beginning,” Onyango admitted. “But the changes the management made worked wonders.Coaches Okidi and Mwalala brought a winning mentality and instilled belief in the squad that had massively lacked previously.”Yet, Onyango was quick to underline that beyond the tactical and technical bench shifts, the fans played a profound role in Shabana’s success. Shumah highlights role Ogam, Osoro played in clinching Golden Boot awardUnlike the 2023/24 season, Shabana fans turned out in large numbers, both home and away, injecting life into every matchday and significantly boosting morale and finances.”The fans walked with us, home and away. We felt their presence, and that connection gave us strength,” the defender noted. “They made us feel part of something bigger, and that translated directly into results on the pitch.”With a top-five finish now secured, Shabana FC has not only restored pride to their passionate base in Kisii and beyond but also laid a strong foundation for an even more competitive campaign next season.
