Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Shabana FC, has been thrown into mourning following the death of Mzee Cyril Nyongesa, the father of the club’s key striker, Austine Odongo.

In a statement released on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Gusii-based outfit expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a painful moment not only for the Odongo family but also for the entire Glamour Boys fraternity.

The club affirmed its solidarity with Austine Odongo and his family as they navigate through this difficult period.

Shabana FC mourns

“With profound sadness we inform our fans of the demise of Cyril Nyongesa, the father to our key striker Austine Odongo. As the family mourns the late Mzee Cyril Nyongesa, we as a club stand with Austine and the family during this trying moment,” read part of the statement.

Austine Odongo has been playing a pivotal role in the squad of head coach Peter Okidi in recent days, helping the club stay in contention for the FKF Premier League and maintaining their status as one of the formidable community clubs in Kenyan football.

The demise of Austine’s father comes as Shabana will be out seeking to extend their commendable run in the new season as league action resumes on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after a brief holiday break.

At Gusii Stadium, Shabana FC will host Nairobi United in a 2:00 pm kickoff, a match expected to draw massive support from the passionate Kisii football faithful. Shabana are fourth on the log with 23 points in 14 outings. On the other hand, the visiting Nairobi United, who recently revamped their technical bench, will be aiming to drag themselves out of the danger zone with a win.

Nairobi United are placed 13th in the league standings with 16 points, having played 10 matches in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season.

Ingwe on the hunt

On the same day, league leaders AFC Leopards will be taking on Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium starting at 4:00 pm at Nyayo National Stadium as one of the highlighted fixtures.

AFC Leopards will be aiming to increase their point tally to 27 in 14 outings with a win. However, they face a very tricky side of Homeboyz, who are placed 6th on the log with 21 points, having played one more match than the Leopards.