NSL: Shabana looking to turn around season

Shabana FC coach Robert Ojienda believes his side has turned the corner after they stunned leaders Mombasa Elite 2-0 in the National Super League on Sunday.

It was a result that gave the team their first three points, having collected a walkover, drawn twice and lost once in five matches played so far.

“It’s a great feeling we did not only win the match but we ended their (Mombasa Elite) unbeaten run.

I think it’s a turning point for us and l believe the boys will be more focused in the coming games,” Ojienda told People Sport.

Sunday’s win saw Tore Bobe climb up the NSL table to seventh place with eight points and coach Ojienda said the slow start can be attributed to the fact that new and old players were yet to gel.

“I have a great side and l trust them. However, considering that this is a new team, the gelling process takes time but from the results, l believe the team’s chemistry is beginning to be seen, and all the players need to do is sticking to my instructions,”

He admitted that losing 4-0 to MFC last week was hard, but the win against Mombasa Elite brought back some belief, and he’s looking forward to maintaining the winning run.

Kisii giants

The Kisii-based giants will be on the road to Nairobi tomorrow where they will take on hosts and newcomers Naivas at Ruaraka Grounds from 3 pm.

Meanwhile, a total of 21 goals were scored in a busy round six of action in the NSL with Elite still leading the standings with 12 points despite their loss to Shabana. 

In Camp Toyoyo, there was high drama in the Naivas-Dandora Love match which saw three penalties and a red card. 

A last minute controversial penalty by 10-man Dandora was all it needed to decide the match with the opponents coach Jeff Maina visibly furious after the match came to a close.

The win now pushes Dandora Love, formerly Mt Kenya United, to eighth on the log with a similar number of points. 

Elsewhere, Assad FC ended their poor run after stunning neighbours Coastal Heroes FC 1-0 at the Mbaraki Sports Ground Sunday.

In other matches, Migori Youth’s continued wait for a win is still on following a 1-1 draw away at APS Bomet who are fourth on the log with 10 points as Kisumu All-Stars problems continued as well following a 3-0 loss away at Fortune Sacco who are now second on the log with 11 points.

Fast improving Vihiga United earned their second win of the campaign after downing Gusii United 1-0 to move to sixth place with eight points.