Shabana coach backs side to rise from Seal defeat
By Dennis Mabuka, August 29, 2023
Shabana FC head coach Sammy Okoth is confident the promoted side will improve on their display after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Murang’a Seal FC in their return to the FKF Premier League on Sunday.
In the fixture at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay, the visiting side, who are playing in the top flight for the first time, stunned Tore Bobe with a stoppage-time winner courtesy of Awitta Batt to claim maximum points.
The defeat left a sour test on Shabana fans, who had travelled all the way to Homabay for the season opener but according to Okoth, the Kisii-based Glamour Boys will get a win in their next assignment against FC Talanta on Friday.
“We played very well, especially in the first half but missed a couple of open chances. It is unfortunate we could not convert our chances to goals,” said Okoth, adding, “But Murang’a got a half chance and scored to carry the day. I guess that is football and that is why it is called the Premier League.” “We must regroup quickly and fix our focus on the next fixture against Talanta. We are travelling away and I know Talanta are no pushovers–they managed a draw against AFC Leopards in their opener. They have a good coach in Ken Kenyatta, who understands Shabana very well, but we are going there to win.”
Despite the defeat, Okoth maintained Shabana’s target is to win the league title in their first attempt.
“Losing is always an opportunity to bounce back and show how much we want to win the league and that is what we are fighting for and you will see a great performance on Friday,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Harambee Stars player Elijah Onsika has called on Shabana to beef up their squad with quality signings if they are to keep their status in the league next season.
While speaking to People Sport, he said: “It will be difficult for Shabana to stay in the top flight with the kind of players I saw in action against Murang’a. They must go for quality signings (before the transfer window shuts down). They must also invest in quality and experienced players. Otherwise, I see them going back to NSL at the end of the season.”
“The team is lacking forwards who can score goals. They need strikers who can give them goals. They also need a good midfield.”