Drama as Shabana FC progress to Kenya Premier League
Shabana Football Club has been promoted to the Kenya Premier League (KPL).
Shabana FC head coach Sammy Okoth said he was happy that the club had been elevated from the second division.
“I would like to thank all our fans for the love, support and belief they have shown us on behalf of my able troops. We will continue to strive to bring you joy every week. God bless the Shabana FC family,” Mr Okoth told the media shortly after Shabana beat Migori Stars FC by one goal to nil.
Despite Shabana’s victory, several football fans were injured when chaos broke out at Gusii Stadium in Kisii on Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023.
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The centre referee stopped the match indefinitely as fans ran amok, prompting police officers to fire teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Migori FC fans started the fracas by accusing the referee of favouring Shabana FC, leading to the two sides throwing stones at each other.
The match was attended by a number of Kisii County leaders including South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro and former Kisii County Sports CEC Duke Mainga.
Speaking to the media, Kisii Sub-County Police boss Amos Ambassada said dozens of fans were rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).
“It all started a few minutes after 5pm but police officers who were on standby swung into action and dealt with the situation. The injured were taken to hospital,” said Mr Amos.
Shabana were promoted to the premier league with 64 points. They still have four matches to play against Darajani Gogo, Murang’a Seal, MCF and Kisumu All Stars.
It is worth noting that another second-tier football club, Murang’a Seal, have also been promoted to the premiership.
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