After surviving relegation by the finest of margins in the 2023-2024 season, Shabana FC came into the concluded campaign determined to make nothing but a statement. Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe goal was simple: re-establish themselves as a force in Kenyan football and attempt to establish themselves as the third lung of the Kenyan top-tier. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9004561##But the start was not smooth, neither was it what anyone who associates with the club anticipated. Their campaign opened with a 1-1 draw against Bidco United, and it was not until matchday seven that the Glamour Boys, then coached by Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, finally notched their first win.Before that, they had suffered losses to the relegated Nairobi City Stars, Mara Sugar, and Sofapaka, and only managed draws against Ulinzi Stars and Kariobangi Sharks.Then came a turning point on and off the pitch.During a clash with Kariobangi Sharks, their head coach, Omollo, was conspicuously absent from the touchline.Michael Olunga on the verge of completing historic transferThe club’s Secretary General, Elizaphan Kerama, explained that the coach had taken time off due to personal matters and reassured fans that he was still in charge.But weeks later, Omollo had not returned, even as the team began to pick up impressive wins against Murang’a Seal and AFC Leopards.The club moved to bring in Peter Okidi and Bernard Mwalala, a duo that transformed Shabana from relegation fighters to surprise title contenders.Okidi was eventually confirmed as head coach, overseeing a strong run that included five wins, two draws, and only two losses in his first nine matches in charge, helping the club climb to ninth place with 20 points from 15 rounds by the end of 2024.##NAJAVA_MECA_9006249##However, the departure of striker Mathew Tegisi left a void in the forward line, forcing Okidi to look into the market in the brief mid-season transfer window. Despite bringing in Oscar Juma and other attacking options, the gap left by Tegisi, who was lured by Tanzanian money proved too big. Consequently, the CAF A license holder had to learn and adopt a working method quickly as he shifted his tactics to a more direct and transition-heavy style, with Brian Michira becoming the focal point in attack.But opposition teams quickly caught on, isolating Michira and neutralising his influence, as seen in their home match against Sharks, where he was tightly marked and rendered ineffective.To address this, Shabana made several impactful mid-season signings: Douglas Mokaya from Bidco United, Moses Shikanda from Sharks, and midfield gem Keith Imbali. Are Gor Mahia eyeing another Harambee Stars player?Imbali, a press-resistant midfielder with sharp passing and long-range shooting ability, had already caught attention earlier in the season when he scored a screamer against Tusker while still with Sharks.“It is a dream for many players to join this club because it’s very big,” said Imbali. “I am happy to finally be here and cannot wait to make my debut.”Alongside Imbali, Kevin Omundi brought renewed urgency to midfield transitions, while Austin Odongo’s rise in attack gave Shabana a much-needed edge.His physical presence, eye for goal, and fearless running made him a nightmare for defenders.Shabana’s forward play improved significantly, but set-piece execution remained a major weakness.Corners often floated harmlessly, free-kicks lacked bite, and long throws failed to trouble opponents.Kakamega Homeboyz chairman cries foul after Moses Shumah’s unveiling in ZambiaOff the pitch, Tore Bobe’s reputation as a fan-driven club soared. With 46 officially registered fan branches, including an active diaspora chapter and a growing Canadian branch, the club’s following rivalled that of established Kenyan giants.Fans were not just vocal, they were organised. Branch leaders oversaw matchday logistics, and supporters regularly engaged in tree planting, children’s home visits, and community empowerment activities.In February, the club made history by becoming the first FKF Premier League side to introduce player mascots during a match.Children escorted players from both Shabana and Mathare United onto the pitch at Gusii Stadium, a practice commonly seen in Europe.That same month, they also unveiled LED perimeter advertising boards, another FKFPL first, during a home game against Murang’a Seal.Tunnel Camera, Mascots getting ready. pic.twitter.com/IGXGEb0GhP— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) March 30, 2025 Between February and April, the Glamour Boys emerged as the league’s in-form team, racking up eight wins, four draws, and just one loss, a 2-1 defeat to struggling Posta Rangers.The hot streak had fans dreaming Shabana could pull off a historic title win in just their second season back?##NAJAVA_MECA_9004944##Head Okidi, however, remained grounded.“I have said before every team should focus on winning its games. We still have to face some of the teams above us. At the end of the season, we will see where we land. Credit goes to the players, fans, the technical bench, and management for how far we have come,” he said.That dream was finally dashed in the final stretch, with a crucial loss to Mara Sugar with three games to go ending their title ambitions. They also failed to win any of their last three fixtures.Still, it was a season to be proud of. The club finished fifth with 53 points from 34 games, a remarkable achievement for a team that had narrowly escaped relegation just a year earlier.
