•Kerama said they are in the process of signing at least six more players before the 2023/24 season kicks off.
•At the same time, Shabana will play their home matches at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA
FKF Kenya Premier League returnees Shabana have bolstered the squad by signing five experienced players.
Club Secretary General, Elizaphan Kerama, confirmed the signing of striker Johana Mwita and defender Rodgers Aloro from Bandari, utility defender Prince Ayieko (Nzoia Sugar), left-back Hillary Wandera, midfielder Mark Okola (NSL side, Vihiga United).
Kerama said they are in the process of signing at least six more players before the 2023/24 season kicks off.
“The players we want to sign are currently training with us. The technical bench is still monitoring them before we make a final decision,” Kerama noted.
He added: “We retained 19 players from the team that helped us qualify for the KPL. We want to add 11 so that we have a squad of 30 players as recommended by the technical bench led by coach Sammy Okoth.”
The SG revealed Shabana have lined up several friendly matches against Premier League clubs starting with Muhoroni Youth on Saturday.
After the Saturday game, the team will travel to Nairobi, where they will play two games against Bandari FC and KCB.
“We have been playing lower-tier teams in our pre-season. We want to test the players against the clubs they will face in the KPL. This will also help the technical bench to gauge the players ahead of the league kick-off,” said Kerama.
At the same time, Shabana will play their home matches at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Meanwhile, FKF Technical Committee inspected the William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok, Gusii Stadium and Raila Odinga Stadium on Wednesday. Gusii Stadium is currently undergoing renovations to meet the required standards.
According to a source in the inspection team, Narok and Gusii Stadium were ruled out while Raila Odinga Stadium was given a thumbs up. The technical team made recommendations to the Homa Bay County government and immediately Governor Gladys Wanga announced the closure of the facility for two weeks to address the inadequacies.
“As it stands, our home ground will be in Homa Bay. Our first choice was William Ole Ntimama but it has been ruled out so we have to settle on Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay,” said Kerama.
He, however, added that high-profile matches against Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be played at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
“The closure of Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Stadium Kasarani has affected Nairobi-based teams, especially Gor and Leopards,” Kerama noted.
Kerama noted that after the Water Companies Sports Organisation (WASCO) games set for August 13-18 and the 42nd edition of the Kenya Communications Sports Organisation (KECOSO) Games from August 19-26, they will ask the football governing body to re-inspect the William Ole Ntimama Stadium.