Shabana FC: Pride of Gusii was once a force to reckon with

Kisii-based Shabana FC was once the toast of local football. It is the only other club whose fans could stand up to passionate followers of the other community clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. The club thrived due to the sponsorship of businessman Dogo Khan, who runs Shabana Hardware and General Stores in Kisii town.

Shabana FC began as an informal outfit in 1980 until Khan took it up in 1982. The side was coached by Uganda-born John Champion in the lower leagues. They gained promotion to the top flight in 1985 and stayed there for 21 years until they were relegated in 2006.