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The Nairobian

Shabana's new plan: Nivaton to award team, Selebwa eyes 10 experienced players

Football

By ROBIN TOSKIN | Nov 11, 2014

Shabana FC Chairman Jared Ombangi celebrates with players after they won their final game 2-0 against Finalys Horticulture to qualify for the Kenyan Premier league. The game was played yesterday at Gusii Stadium.

Shabana FC Coach Gilbert Selebwa says they have learnt big lessons from the relegated teams as they plan their future in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The Kisii based club topped the National Super League Zone B to seal a controversial return to the top flight after nine years in the wilderness.

“The Kenyan Premier League is a different ball game. It is unforgiving. It is for this reason that we are putting our heads together to jealously preserve our KPL status come next season,” Selebwa told FeverPitch.

“Part of the plan is to sign 10 young, experienced players with premier league pedigree to form the spine of the team,” Selebwa said while intimating that talks with the target players are at an advanced stage.

The former AFC Leopards coach, also a pundit with KPL broadcast rights holders, SuperSport, said his experience with Ingwe should see Shabana through in the league.

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“It wasn’t easy reconstructing the Shabana fabric just as it was with AFC Leopards in 2008,” Selebwa said.

“Nobody gave us a chance and I think that is the reason some teams just went about breaking the rules thinking nobody was taking note.

“We knew exactly where we would catch them because all rules count in football,” Selebwa said.

Shabana were controversially awarded 12 points while top contenders Zoo Kericho were docked three points for allegedly fielding an illegible player, Michael Otieno.

After beating Finlays Horticulture 2-0 on Sunday at Gusii Stadium, touching off wild celebrations in Kisii town, Shabana FC Chairman Jared Nivaton announced plans to reward the players and hold a victory party.

“They have brought joy to Kisii. The players will rest for a week then we will organise a befitting award ceremony for them,” Nivaton said.

He also thanked the club founder Dogo Khan, who was on hand at Gusii Stadium, to see the team beat Finlays Horticulture.

“Khan’s presence was good in the sense that it shows the unity of purpose that has seen Shabana through,” Nivaton said.

On recruitment of players in readiness for the KPL, Nivaton said: “Getting a sponsor will be key to our success in KPL. We can identify good players but without the funds, it will count for nothing.”

Speaking to FeverPitch, Khan called upon the Gusii community to rally behind the team now that they will be playing in the top flight.

“What remains is for FKF to ensure complaints by Zoo Kericho are dealt with so that Shabana does not carry any baggage to KPL next season,” Khan said.

“With Shabana and Sony Sugar in the KPL we are returning football to the level it was in the region,” Khan said.

Khan also sent his congratulatory message to Gor Mahia for winning the KPL title for a second year in a row and their 14th in the top flight.

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