Thousands of fans took to the streets of Kisii Town on Sunday 18 June to celebrate the return of legendary Gusii club Shabana FC to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) after 17 years in the wilderness.17 years in the making.History written. pic.twitter.com/ofaebmVe1d— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) June 18, 2023 Before a packed crowd at the dreaded Gusii Stadium, Shabana edged Migori Youth FC 1-0 in a highly anticipated National Super League (NSL) clash to earn the promotion to the table of men.Security officers had a rough time controlling a pregnant crowd throughout the afternoon, and when the final whistle was blown, the fans let loose, storming the field in song and dance, as raw emotions were let free.NSL: Shabana, Murang’a seal FKFPL promotion slotsNothing could describe that great moment of pure joy and ecstasy that will forever be etched in the history books and the promise it portends not just for Shabana, but the FKFPL and Kenyan football as a whole.Back in the glory years, Shabana was a force to reckon with in the local scene; a hub for top talents such as Henry Motego and Mike Okoth, who went ahead to successfully don the national team Harambee Stars colors.Yet, maladministration, like in most shares of Kenyan football, was Shabana’s bane. In 2006, for the first time in 21 years of top-flight football, they kissed the grass.It was the same poor leadership that ensured ‘Tore Bore’, as the team is nicknamed, remained in the trenches as management wrangles took center stage.The same scenario must be avoided if the team is to make a mark on their return.##NAJAVA_MECA_7324405##Above all, Shabana must not only rely on the goodwill of deep-pocketed individuals and fans to finance their life in the FKFPL, but must actively source for alternative sources of funding, especially a solid shirt partner that can ground them financially.It was a double joy for the game as another community club Murang’a Seal also earned promotion to the FKFPL after beating Coastal Heroes FC 1-0 at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa also on Sunday.Community clubs are the heart and soul of any league worth its salt. Unlike corporate clubs, community ones bring life to a league. What’s a game of football without fans?With Vihiga Bullets FC already relegated and Wazito FC or Mathare United likely to join them, the promotion of Shabana FC and Murang’a Seal is certainly a consolation for believers in community clubs and the special spot they hold in our league.Harambee Stars’ Shumah reflects on national team debut lessonsSeal have enjoyed a good season and are currently topping the NSL table with three games to go.Their addiction to the FKFPL is a huge welcome especially for the football-starved former Central Kenya Region.You may argue that the populous region is already represented by Thika-based Bidco United, but as already pointed out, only community clubs can inject life into the game.With a solid sponsorship, unlike Shabana, Seal’s transition may be smoother, but they may need to tinker a bit with their playing squad and ensure that they have premier league quality players to survive.Once more, karibuni!
