•Former Gor Mahia and Kenyan international Yusuf Juma headlines Shabana’s nine new signings.
•Selebwa is also eyeing four more signings.
Former Gor Mahia and Kenyan international Yusuf Juma headlines Shabana’s nine new signings.
Juma who has played for Thika United, Sofapaka and KCB is expected to boost Shabana’s leaky defence as they seek promotion to the SportPesa Premier League.
Shabana coach Gilbert Selebwa said Juma’s experience will come in handy as the National Super League enters the second round. Right back Rooney Onyango has also joined the former topflight side.
To bolster their attack, Shabana have also roped in strikers John Musyoka from Mwatate FC, Anthony Baraza (Kibera Black Stars), Paul Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Bliss Kityo (Muhoroni Youth) and Marion Kakai (Thika United).
Selebwa is also eyeing four more signings. “We want two central defenders, one holding midfielder and a goalkeeper,” he told the Star.
He said Bob Mugalia’s proposed move to Nairobi Stima did not materialise. “We talked to him and he agreed to remain here. Shabana skipper Wycliffe Nyangechi is in talks with Posta Rangers and if they agree, we will let him go,” added the veteran coach.
The club has also released 13 players among them former Nzoia United midfielder Patrick Kwitonda, Dennis Monda, veteran striker Moses Arita and Ivorian Michael Ange.
Others are Moses Otieno, David Simiyu, Calistous Machasio, Joash Ogega, Francis Oduor, Mohammed Dhulikfli and Kevin Momanyi.
Selebwa admitted that his biggest predicament was lack of clinical strikers in the first round. “We play very attractive football but our problem was in finishing,” he said.
He vowed to push for promotion and asked fans to be patient with him. He also asked them to continue supporting the former Glamour Boys. Shabana is currently 10th on the log with 27 points and has gone five matches without a loss.
Shabana’s next game will be next week on Wednesday against Nairobi City Stars at Hope Center in Nairobi and not tomorrow (Sunday) as earlier indicated.