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Shabana coach Sammy Okoth is still aiming higher despite not winning any of his side’s opening five league matches
Shabana coach Sammy Okoth has set his side a top 10 finish in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League despite failing to win any of their opening five games.
Shabana returned to the top flight this season after 17 years in the lower leagues but have had an indifferent start to the campaign, drawing three while losing two of their five matches.
Tore Bobe’s last result was a 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards on Sunday as Okoth’s men came from behind to share the spoils which has left a section of their fans worried and disappointed.
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16:00 - 03.10.2023
FKFPL Furious Shabana coach Sammy Okoth lambasts early penalty conceded in AFC Leopards draw
Okoth was unhappy that the large crowd of Shabana fans that turned up to watch the match were not “entertained” enough because of the needless penalty they gave away.
However, the tactician is unfazed by their early season struggles and feels they have enough quality to finish in the top 10 and not just aim to avoid relegation like most newly-promoted teams tend to do.
“We want to be in the top 10 bracket. We don’t want to play just to avoid relegation, it will be good to be safe but we have to play with an aim. Otherwise, we will be too comfortable with just being safe which is dangerous,” said Okoth.
Finishing in the top 10 will need a quick turnaround in Shabana’s fortunes given they are not scoring enough to win games and also fail to hold onto leads when they score first.
While he has promised to work on their inefficiency in front of goal, Okoth has also lamented about a lack of patience from some of the club’s fans who he feels need to give the players time to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League.
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06:00 - 02.10.2023
FKFPL Did AFC Leopards fan frenzy outshine Shabana's cheer spectacle despite draw?
Fans turned Lang'ata into a laughter-filled carnival as AFC Leopards and Shabana clashed, proving cheering can draw level with goals.
“Sometimes frustrations can be too much. Some people lack patience, they forget this is a young team and new to the Premier League and if you instill fear in them, they will shy away and the results will be negative. When that happens, they blame the coach which is not fair,” he added.
Shabana visit Tusker FC in their next league match on Friday and their coach will be hoping that they can end their winless run.
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