Have Shabana rediscovered their lost mojo?

Shabana captain Peter Ogechi (right) with his teammate during their FKF Premier League match against AFC Leopards at Ulinzi Sports Complex on October 1. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Shabana FC seem to have found their mojo back after a stuttering start to the 2023/24 FKF Premier League season.

Tore Bobe secured their maiden win of the season in round six when they stunned Tusker 1-0 thanks to Vincent Nyabuto's effort at Ruaraka Grounds last Friday.

This is after they had broken their fans’ hearts on several occasions after throwing away leads by conceding last gasp goals in matches that they should have won easily.

It started off with their season opener against Murang’a SEAL when Batts Awita capitalised on defensive error to beat Shabana 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium before they drew 1-1 with Talanta followed by an identical 1-1 draw against Police, who equalised in the injury time.

It was a similar script against Kariobangi Sharks with Geoffrey Onyango's late goal piling more misery on Sammy Okoth’s boys.

However, Shabana partially redeemed themselves when they forced AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw before eventually bagging a famous 1-0 victory over the brewers.

For head coach Sammy Okoth, their recent win which saw them take their points tally to six and move out of the relegation zone, could be their turning point.  

"It has brought happiness. In four of the matches we have played, we have been conceding at the last minute, but now we have improved, especially in defence. Victory in this game is like the beginning of our FKF PL winning campaign,” said Okoth.

Shabana's journey this season has been one of resilience, of battling against the odds and refusing to succumb to the challenges that came their way. With their loyal supporters anxiously watching, the team evidently pushed through the adversities, learning and evolving with each game.

Despite all challenges, their shirt sponsors Bangbet have strongly stood with the team as they facilitated the acquisition of experienced midfielder Eugene Mukangula (AFC Leopards), Rogers Aloro (Bandari) and Enock Agwanda (Kakamega Homeboyz) in the recent transfer window.

The sponsorship deal was not just a financial arrangement; it was a mutual belief in the potential of this team, a shared vision of success. Shabana will welcome Nairobi City Stars on October 22 after a two-week international break.