Baraza, Zico and Pamzo in the mix Shabana hunt for new coach

Shabana have started the process of recruiting a new coach following the sacking of Sammy Okoth.

Okoth was sacked on Monday evening alongside goalkeeper trainer Collins Oduor while assistant coach and former defender Kevin Momanyi was demoted to the development side.

Shabana chairman Jared Nivaton said they mutually parted ways with the duo following a poor run that saw the team win one game, lose five, and draw four.

The team is languishing in the relegation zone after 10 games. Former Gor Mahia defender Oscar Kambona, who was Okoth’s assistant, takes over in an interim capacity.

 "In the interim, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Oscar Kambona as the head coach while we actively engage in the search for a suitable replacement for this vital position," said Nivaton.

Kambona will be in charge of the game against Nzoia Sugar at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Saturday.

Nivaton added in his statement: “As a club, we deeply value and appreciate the significant contributions and unwavering dedication they have exhibited throughout their tenure with our organisation. We extend our heartfelt best wishes for their future endeavors.”

Okoth’s last game in charge was on Sunday when Shabana lost 2-1 to Bandari at Mbaraki Sports ground in Mombasa. He had nine days ago announced his departure from the team following a 4-1thrashing by Ulinzi Stars before quietly returning at the helm.

He revealed that they have received more than 50 applications from Kenyan and foreign coaches.

“We have started the recruitment process. We want to do it in a professional way. We want to get the right person, someone who will instill discipline in the team and lift us from the relegation zone,” Nivaton told the Star. 

Immediate former Kenya Police coach Francis Baraza, a former Shabana player and captain, is the favourite to land the position.

Others said to be interested in the job are former KCB coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo and former Darajani Gogo coach Caleb Aringa.

Zico attended Shabana’s game against Bandari in Mombasa on Sunday.