Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has pledged to marshal the entire Kisii community to help Shabana FC win the FKF Premier League on their first attempt after earning promotion on Sunday.
The Kisii-based Glamour Boys sealed their spot in the top-flight for next season after 17 years in the cold following their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Migori Youth at Gusii Stadium. Shabana earned promotion alongside Muranga Seal FC, who beat Coastal Union 1-0 at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa County in another contest.
Isaac Otieno scored the all-important goal that earned Shabana nicknamed ‘Tore Bobe’, a return to the top flight having been relegated in 2006 and further got relegated down to Division One in 2014.
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“I am delighted to see Shabana regain their Premier League status, it is something we have worked hard to achieve and my word of praise goes to the players, and the fans, who have been very supportive during good and bad days, for making this happen,” said Nyamweya.
“It was long overdue to have Shabana play in the top-flight and I want to extend my congratulation message to the entire technical bench and all other staff members, who never gave up when it even looked like they cannot be promoted, it was because of sheer determination from the management and more so the players that this has been achieved.”
Nyamweya, who doubles as the patron of the club, further said: “Our main focus now is to make sure they have the full support of everyone from the Gusii community as they start their journey in the Premier League, we want to make sure they are the team to beat in the league.
“We will make sure they challenge for the title in the new season, it is possible, they have shown they can do it in the lower league, and with everyone’s support [especially from the Gusii community], they stand a good chance to make it on their first attempt after earning promotion.”
With three games left to conclude the season, Shabana and Muranga Seal are tied on 64 points, though the former have played one match more. Shabana will next face Darajani Gogo at Camp Toyoyo on Saturday.