Shabana's Derrick Nsubuga in action against Mathare United at Gusii Stadium/FILEShabana FC coach Peter Okidi has backed the Glamour Boys to stem the tide when they host AFC Leopards at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Shabana, once the talk of the SportPesa League for their fearless and flamboyant play, stumbled recently with a 2-1 loss to Posta Rangers, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Mathare United.
“The energy this week has been different,” Okidi insisted. “You can feel the hunger returning. Football is about moments — and this is ours to reclaim.”
“We can’t let emotions control us. Leopards are experienced, but we must play our football, our way.”
Team captain George ‘Dizzo’ Onyango added, “Our fans have carried us. We owe them a performance worthy of their faith.”
AFC Leopards come with purpose after a hard-fought 1-0 win over KCB. Coach Fred Ambani acknowledged Shabana’s passionate support but remained unfazed.
“Shabana’s fans are incredible, but we’ve prepared for that. If we stay disciplined and composed, we’ll create our moments,” he said.
Ambani’s hopes rest on the striking duo of Kelly Madada and Victor Omune, while midfielder Brian Wanyama will be crucial in controlling Shabana’s pressing game.
In Kasarani, Tusker FC take on Kariobangi Sharks after their narrow 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal.
Coach Charles Okere sees progress.
“The win was vital,” he said. “Now we focus on sharpening our attack and dominating games again.”
Sharks’ boss William Muluya remains unfazed.
“We play with courage,” he said. “We’re not here to defend — we’re here to challenge.”
Meanwhile, in Nakuru, Ulinzi Stars meet Bidco United, both sides desperate for a spark.
“We’ve been creating chances, just not finishing,” admits Ulinzi captain Boniface Muchiri
Bidco’s Anthony Akhulia counters: “We’re compact and organised. This team believes in grinding out results.”
Six weeks in, the league has no clear favourite. Homeboyz and Posta Rangers are top with 10 points. Shabana are fourth; Leopards hover mid-table with six.
Just days ago, Shabana suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mathare United — their second straight home loss and third match without a win. Former Shabana striker Dennis Okoth struck in the 39th minute to silence the Gusii crowd.
Coach Okidi, at the time, lamented missed chances and the absence of key players, including Onyango, Keith Imbali, and Brian Michira, who were sidelined with injuries. He vowed to turn Gusii Stadium into a fortress and target maximum points in upcoming fixtures.
Assistant Secretary General Evans Kibagendi also urged calm among supporters, expressing confidence that the team would bounce back strongly.
“The technical bench and the players understand the pain we’re all feeling,” he said then. “The focus now is on picking nine points from our next three games.”
