•Two points separate Shabana and second-placed Murang’a Seal, who are away to Gusii FC at Awendo in Migori County.
•“My target was to qualify for the Kenyan Premier League, winning the NSL title will be icing on the cake,” said Seal coach Nyaberi.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA
Shabana coach Sammy Okoth on Friday warned that there is no room for complacency in the decisive last game of the season against Kisumu All Stars at Gusii Stadium on Saturday.
A win for the Glamour Boys against the Blue Eagles will guarantee the m the National Super League title. Two points separate Shabana and second-placed Murang’a Seal, who are away to Gusii FC at Awendo in Migori County.
“The players will go all out for a win. It (title) is in our hands and we don’t want to make mistakes,” said the tactician.
“We want to win this title for our fans and management. They have been with us throughout the season in both home and away matches. The NSL title will be a perfect gift for them. The fans have pushed us all the way.”
Okoth admitted they are under pressure but the players are ready for the game.
Image: Angwenyi Gichana
Shabana officials, led by the chairman Jared Nivaton, vice chairman Wycliffe Ayienda, secretary general Elizaphan Kerama and treasurer Bosire Anyoka rallied fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer the team.
Kisumu All Stars coach Andrew Aroka: “I’m happy that Shabana have finally made it to the top tier league. They have suffered for long and I congratulate them. I know the game against us will be a high-stake encounter, we have prepared well and are ready. For us, it’s a normal game.”
Aroka, who is currently sharpening his skills in a CAF 'B' licence course, added: “The pressure is on the hosts. They have maintained top form throughout the season but we have also rediscovered our winning ways, although too late. I want to assure our fans that we shall give them an entertaining match on Saturday.”
He welcomed the promotion of Shabana and Murang’a Seals to the KPL. “This will give more young players a platform to expose themselves. Most community clubs are struggling financially and that’s why the promotion of Shabana and Seal is welcome.”
After the Shabana game on Saturday, a group of Kisii musicians has organised Shabana night at Winds Park Hotel where they will entertain fans.
Those expected to perform are Babu Gee Omosayansi, Kwasa Kwasa, Vicky Young, Sagero Man Pepe, Man Sango, Faith Stan, MC Nyareso, and DJ Rills.
The event is sponsored by Nyareso Market. The entrée fee is Sh400 with Sh 100 from each ticket sold going to Shabana.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA
Meanwhile, Murang’a Seal head coach Vincent Nyaberi remains calm in regard to clinching the title.
“The push for the title is not in our hands. Our prayer is that we win our game and hope that Kisumu All Stars upset Shabana,” he said.
“My target was to qualify for the Kenyan Premier League, winning the NSL title will be icing on the cake,” said Nyaberi, who is also undergoing his CAF 'B' licence course in Nairobi.
In his absence, assistant coach Peter Mwaura has been in charge of the team.
The playoff slot will also be determined on the last day of the season with Migori Youth and Mara Sugar in contention.
Migori Youth have a two-point advantage over Mara. Migori face MCF in Migori Stadium while Mara will battle it out with Mwatate United in Wundanyi.
A win for Migori will set up a battle against Wazito FC for a chance to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Round 38 Fixtures
Saturday (KICK OFF: 1pm)
Mwatate United vs Mara Sugar (Wundanyi Stadium)
Migori Youth vs MCF (Migori Stadium)
Naivas vs Vihiga United (Camp Toyoyo)
Gusii vs Murang’a Seal (Awendo Green Stadium)
Shabana vs Kisumu AllStars (Gusii Stadium)
Coastal Heroes vs SS Assad (Mbaraki Sports Club)
Kibera Black Stars vs Kajiado (Ligi Ndogo)