Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya has been named the chairman of Shabana’s funds committee as they prepare to return to the Premier League after 17 years in the cold.

The Kisii-based Glamour Boys earned promotion to the top flight last weekend after defeating Migori Youth 1-0 at Gusii Stadium. On Thursday, the team was hosted to a luncheon by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu and it was here that, Nyamweya was handed the mantle to help raise over Ksh100 million for the club.

“I want to trust the chairmanship of the fundraising committee on Sam [Nyamweya], he has been in this game of football for a very long time and I believe he has the capacity to lead the way,” Machogu said, adding: “We want to come together as a community and welcome Shabana to the top league, they have done us proud and it is now our time to reciprocate and show them what we can offer.”

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Speaking after being named the chairman, Nyamweya said: “I want to thank the CS for Education for the honour he has bestowed on me to lead the fundraising committee, I know we have to come together and help Shabana. I will use the chance to mobilise all the friends of Shabana to come and support the team.

“I know how difficult it can be to play in the Premier League without money, I have been the President of FKF and know what it takes for a team to successfully participate in the league and that is why we will need everybody who loves this great team to come out and support them, morally and financially.”

Shabana earned promotion alongside Muranga Seal FC, who beat Coastal Union 1-0 at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa County in another contest. 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 Friday.