Shabana coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo radiates confidence ahead of Sunday's FKF Cup Round of 16 showdown with AFC Leopards at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu.
The Kisii-based side conquered Shalimar 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling Round of 32 battle at the Longonot Horticulture Grounds last month.
Pamzo is bullish about their chances, having dissected their opponents' tactics from a previous league encounter.
"We're geared up for victory. This is knockout football and we're primed to advance. We displayed prowess against them in the Premier League with just a fraction of our best players," quipped the tactician.
Their last tango with Leopards in October 2023 ended in a pulsating 1-1 draw, ignited by goals from Alex Kitata Leopards and Peter Ogechi (Shabana).
Pamzo has urged the revered 12th man to rally behind the team in their quest for Cup glory.
"Shabana thrives on community support. Our fan base eclipses even that of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. I implore our fans to flood the stands and roar us to victory," said Pamzo.
Meanwhile, Bidco face KCB while Kenya Police lock horns with Mombasa Stars.
The matches will be played at Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday. Pamzo has promised to help Shabana keep their Kenyan Premier League status at the end of the season. "We need just two wins (six points) to safeguard KPL status," he said.
"Our fans need not fret about relegation to the National Super League. We'll secure those wins before the curtains fall on the league," reassured Pamzo.
Shabana are 17th on the log with 18 points, just one clear of bottom-placed Nzoia Sugar. But to remain afloat, they must avoid mistakes.
"We've rectified our lapses. Errors are ruthlessly punished in the Premier League. We've bolstered our defence and urged our attackers to seize every opportunity created," affirmed Pamzo.
Shabana’s next league assignment is against fifth-placed Posta Rangers at the Homabay Stadium next weekend.
Meanwhile, several other Cup matches are scheduled for this weekend including Bungoma Stars against Sofapaka.
Holders Kakamega Homeboyz aim to unsettle Tusker at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
On Sunday, Compel face Mara Sugar and SS Assad engage Denmark at the Ukunda Showground. Ulinzi Stars will lock horns with Kariobangi Sharks at the Police Sacco Stadium.
The winner of the Shabana/Leopards duel will meet the victor between Compel FC and Mara Sugar in the quarters.
