Shabana players feeling ‘Njaanuary’

Shabana FC players celebrate their goal against St Joseph Youth during the National Super League (NSL) at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on December 1, 2018 [Photo: Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Players at the newly promoted Shabana FC are yet to receive their December salaries and match allowances, The Nairobian has learnt.

The players who ply their trade in the National Super League have been struggling to make ends meet, compounded by the fact that it’s January.

But club chairman Paul Mayieko has denied the claims, terming them malicious.

The Nairobian has learnt that things have not been rosy at the Kisii-based club since their promotion to the country’s second-tier league.

Their promotion was received with jubilation not only in Kisii region but the entire nation, owing to the fact that the club was a football powerhouse in the ‘80s. And to cushion the team against any financial shock waves, a fundraiser was held in November 2018 to ‘power’ the Glamour Boys.

The harambee was attended by Deputy President William Ruto and raised more than Sh7 million.

DP Ruto donated Sh2 million, with another Sh1 million coming from President Uhuru Kenyatta. Shabana chairman Jared Nivaton donated Sh500,000, while vice chairman and Nairobi lawyer Nyandoro Kambi donated Sh100,000.

Others included Elgeyo-Marakwet County Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who donated Sh200,000, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka who donated Sh200,000, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa gave Sh100,000, former FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya donated Sh100,000 while former AFC Leopards chairman Allan Kasavuli gave Sh100,000.

A source privy to happenings at the club told The Nairobian that players’ morale is fading fast.
“The players have not been paid their salaries since we had the fundraiser. Hata allowances zao hazijalipwa zote. The players want to talk, but they are afraid of the management. I tell you it’s frustrating,” said the source who sought anonymity.

But Mayieko has rubbished the claims, insisting they have paid players all their salaries and allowances and that those talking are simply clueless and malicious.

“From where I sit as a senior official of the club, we don’t have any arrears. We’ve paid players all their salaries and allowances. We don’t owe anybody any money. You know, out here, people who don’t have the right information can say anything,” he told The Nairobian.

He added that: “We might be having a few challenges and of course we’re not the only club experiencing financial challenges in Kenya. But we’re putting up structures in place to see how we can bridge the gap; there is no need for alarm because everything is under control at the moment.”

Shabana, a club that once boasted some of the league’s best talents in the country was relegated from top flight football in 2006, ending their 21-year stay in KPL.