It is not the first time that Shabana FC are having a head start in the race to win the second tier National Super League (NSL) and regain their long lost FKF Premier League status only to fizzle out and remain in the trenches.Nine fixtures into the new 2022-23 NSL, and the legendary Gusii club appears unassailable, crushing any opposition that crosses their path, like their nickname, The Crushers, suggests. The coach Sammy Okoth’s charges have registered an impressive eight wins and a draw.Yet, the missteps of the past campaigns still lingers fresh in their minds, and they seek to avoid them like plague.”Even though I was not in charge, I know what the trend has been, and we’re trying to avoid the past mistakes,” Sammy told Mozzart Sport ahead of his acid test at second placed Kibera Black Stars next week. “I have been talking to the players, urging them not to drop their standards even when the going gets tough. I know challenging moments will always be there and we must prepare for them.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6992606##Like most lower tier clubs, Shabana’s grand ambitions have always been hard done by lack of finances and squad instability. Arnold Origi appointed as a goalkeeping coach in Sweden”It has been the club’s biggest problem. Once the players don’t get something to take home, performance drops. It also exposes the squad to better financed suitors, who pick the best talents, leaving the team unable to compete.”Sammy says that he is in talks with the management to ensure the team is intact and they achieve their goal of regaining top-flight status. Mama mboga, boda boda riders come to the aid of struggling Vihiga BulletsHe attributes the good start to the season to hard work and team spirit. “We work very hard in training and in game times. Besides, we are a cohesive unit. We work as a team. That’s our secret.”Shabana will face a big test against Kibera Black Stars in a midweek fixture on Wednesday 8th February at Camp Toyoyo.”We’re not going to change our style of football just because it is Kibera Black Stars. Like in all matches we have played, we’re facing this one with a winning mentality. “
