Shabana FC players at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori/ANGWENYI GICHANASportPesa Premier League team Shabana FC are set to revamp both their playing squad and technical bench ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The club’s Secretary General, Elizaphan Kerama, said Shabana plans to release up to 15 players and bring in 10 new signings to build a more competitive team.
“In the just-concluded season, we had 32 players. However, some of the players did not contribute much. In the upcoming season, we want to have a lean but competitive squad,” said Kerama.
He revealed that the club’s technical bench and scouting department are already working on identifying suitable recruits, while dismissing speculation that several key players are set to leave. Kerama, however, confirmed the departure of influential defender Wycliffe Omondi, who has joined Nairobi United.
“We tried our best to keep him, but it was not possible,” he said. On the technical bench, Kerama disclosed that the club is in talks with two foreign coaches and one local tactician as they seek a substantive head coach. He confirmed that interim coach Osborne Monday, has left the club following the expiry of his short-term contract.
“Monday was on a short-term contract, which ended at the beginning of June. In the next two or three weeks, we shall unveil a technical bench,” added Kerama. He regretted that instability within the technical setup contributed to Shabana’s inconsistent campaign, which saw the Glamour Boys finish fifth in the league standings.
Assistant coach Benard Mwalala left the club in January to join Bandari FC, while head coach Peter Okidi parted ways with the Kisii-based side in March.
Kerama also said the club has identified William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok and Afraha Stadium in Nakuru as possible venues for their home matches following the closure of Gusii Stadium for renovations. Gusii Stadium is currently being demolished ahead of a Sh1 billion rehabilitation project expected to take nine months.
“Negotiations with the two counties are at an advanced stage. We want to have either Wanguru Stadium or Raila Odinga Stadium as our alternative home ground,” he remarked.
The secretary general further disclosed that the club is renegotiating its sponsorship agreements with SportPesa and Azam TV while also seeking additional partners.
“The amount of money we get from SportPesa and Azam is not enough to run the team for a whole season. We are also negotiating with other potential sponsors,” he said.
Speaking during a meeting to review the club’s status, Kerama revealed that Shabana generated Sh8 million from replica jersey sales. He also praised Shabana Queens for securing promotion to the Women’s Premier League after winning the National Super League title, while the club’s youth team earned promotion to the regional league.
