Shabana patron Sam Nyamweya calls for relocation of league matches from Kisii
Shabana FC patron Sam Nyamweya has implored on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League club’s management to move the team’s home matches from Kisii town.
This, the veteran football administrator argues, could help the newly promoted side arrest the poor form that has dogged it in the top-flight league.
“Consider moving the team to the Ulinzi Sports Complex or Narok. I will personally engage the authorities for support,” said Nyamweya in a letter addressed to Shabana chairman Jared Nivaton on December 13, 2023.
The Ulinzi Sports Complex is located in Nairobi and owned by the Kenya Defence Forces.
Further, Nyamweya has advised the club administration to overhaul the team’s technical bench and bring in a replacement for coach Sammy Okoth.
Another request by Nyamweya involves revamping the team’s playing staff during the January transfer window.
“Shabana bonafide officials, and especially the chairman, should lead in issuance of official policy statements. I ask the fans to remain calm,” he added.
Despite the financial backing from jersey sponsors and thousands of passionate fans who throng the home and away matches, Shabana has found the going tough since securing promotion to the top-flight in May 2023, after 17 years in the cold.
The Gusii based team has won two of their 13 fixtures in the league, picking up a paltry 11 points in the process.
The team is currently placed in position 15 on the 18-team league, a point above the relegation spots occupied by Nzoia Sugar and Sofapaka FC.
The poor results cost coach Okoth his job in October 2023.
The club has yet to replace him amid reports talks with veteran trainer Sammy Omollo have fallen through.
Shabana’s latest outing was a 2-0 defeat away to Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega.
Nyamweya’s suggestion to relocate the team comes at a time officials have publicly been involved in squabbles.
The former FKF president recently hit out at one Elizaphan Kerama for impersonation after the later released a statement on behalf of the club.
“He is using Shabana as a stepping stone to contest for a parliamentary seat in Kisii. He is part of the people leading the team towards relegation and must be called out,” said Nyamweya.
Nyamweya’s hard hitting statement came after Kerama issued a separate statement and addressed a number of issues, including the recruitment of a new coach to replace Sammy Okoth, recruitment of players and a meeting with Kisii Governor Simba Arati, whom he referred to as the club’s patron.
He said: We are steadfastly committed to rectifying our current standing and restoring the team’s former glory. This period marks a crucial opportunity for us to realign and progress in the right direction.”
Besides, Gusii stadium has been undergoing renovations in a bid to secure the players and fans.