Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Shabana FC, has praised its fan base for resilience as the club struggles to come out of inconsistency in top-flight matches.

Shanaba’s previous 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars handed head coach Peter Okidi a sigh of relief after enduring a series of defeats both at their Gusii Stadium backyard and dropping points in away fixtures.

However, behind Shabana’s quest to rise again are the 12th man, the fans that the team has described as important in their daily support towards the club in the Sportpesa League. Shabana FC started the current league season on a high, winning their first two fixtures of the campaign before things started going south as the season took shape.

The team’s previous results included three consecutive home losses to Posta Rangers, Mathare United, and AFC Leopards. Injuries to key players such as Brian Michira and George Onyango limited tactical options, and Shabana’s attacking play had become somewhat predictable.

In the Ulinzi Stars’ win, Mark Okola scored with a header (16th minute) from a well-executed attack that broke through the home side’s disciplined backline, securing all three points for the visitors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Coach Okidi had fielded a strong starting XI for the maximum points. Midfielders Biron Otieno and Kevin Omundi anchored play, while the defence supported striker Austin Odongo. Shabana’s tactical discipline and ability to capitalise on Ulinzi’s mistakes were key to the victory.

Message to the fans

Banking on the fans’ support, the Glamour Boys are seeking to retain their position among the top-ranked sides, with Ulinzi’s victory seemingly a motivating factor heading into the next fixture.

“It makes a big difference to have fans like we do. In the bad moments, they help us, and we always want to say thank you through what we do on the pitch and try to win the game for them. We play football for this. You play for the fans, you play for the good moments, and you play for that feeling at the stadium,” Shabana wrote in a message to the club supporters on Sunday, November 16, 2025.