Shabana FC, based in Kisii, has signed 14 new players to enhance their performance for the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season.
Hundreds of fans turned up to witness the unveiling of the new players in an event dubbed Shabana Day, which was held on Sunday at Gusii Stadium.
Among the new players signed included midfielders Byron Otieno and David Odoyo from Kariobangi Sharks and Tusker FC respectively, Ugandan winger Bronson Nsubuga from Maroons FC, Wycliffe Omondi from Nairobi City Stars and forward Humphrey Obino from Murang’a Seal, among others.
The club has also released 18 players from last season, where they finished 5th with 53 points.
Shabana also played a pre-season friendly match with the neighbouring Tanzania's Pamba Jiji FC, with the guest team winning the match after penalties.
The game began with a lot of intensity, with Brian Michira finding the back of the net in the 2nd minute of the game.
However, the visitors responded swiftly in the 4th minute through Phavan Siwa, making it 1-1 by the end of the first half.
Early in the second half, Peter Ruasa scored a second goal from a spot kick after the referee awarded the visitors a penalty.
The Glamour Boys bounced back in the 89th minute through an own goal from the opponent and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
The players then proceeded to a penalty shootout where the visitors were crowned winners after it finished 5-3.
Speaking after the match, Shabana Head Coach Peter Okidi expressed his confidence in the team in the coming season saying they are ready to compete with other league leaders.
"Our players are ready to win the FKF Premier League because they have the full support of the management and the technical bench," Okidi assured.
Pamba Jiji's Head Coach Francis Barraza lauded Shabana for accepting to hold the pre-season friendly match, adding that it was key in identifying areas to improve as a team before the session kicks off.
Shabana will begin the campaign with a home game against newly-promoted side APS Bomet on September 21.
