Shabana to resume pre-season training next week, says Kerama

Newly-promoted Kenyan Premier League side Shabana will start their pre-season training on Monday next week.

Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama said the players will return to training after a two-week break following the conclusion of the National Super League which saw the Glamour Boys lift the National Super League title.

“Time is not on our side. We must hit the ground running on Monday since we only have one month for pre-season,” said Kerama.

The new KPL season will kick off on August 27 where Shabana will open their campaign at home to fellow newbies Murang’a Seal.

As part of their pre-season training, the club has lined up several friendly matches against lower-tier and KPL clubs.

Meanwhile, Kerama confirmed that coach Sammy Okoth will remain with the club after signing a new contract. 

In regard to recruitment, Kerama said they are targeting 10 new signings even as they intend to release six.

“We have already identified our targets. We are working with the technical bench to bring them on board. I don’t want to release the names because we are yet to sign any agreement with them,” Kerama told the Star.

He said the names of six players who have been axed will be made public next week when they enter pre-season training.

However, a source at the club hinted to the Star that among the players released are striker Cornelius Lusaka Juma and Nigerians Adevie Derima and Prince Mitto Ake.

Juma joined the Glamour Boys from Kenya Police during the mid-season transfer window.

Shabana are likely to play their home matches at Narok Stadium following the closure of Gusii Stadium.

The Gusii facility is set to undergo renovations by the Kisii county government as announced by Governor Simba Arati.