Shabana face Tusker in Gusii fortress battle as FKF Premier League resumes after one-week postponement

© Shabana FC

Shabana face Tusker in Gusii fortress battle as FKF Premier League resumes after one-week postponement

Festus Chuma 10:00 - 11.01.2025

The Glamour Boys will host Tusker FC in a crucial FKF Premier League clash with other thrilling matches also scheduled.

Shabana will welcome Tusker FC to Gusii Stadium on Saturday in a high-stakes FKF Premier League clash that promises fireworks.

 Currently ninth on the table with 20 points, Shabana aims to close the seven-point gap with second-placed Tusker, who have 27 points and are chasing the summit alongside league leaders KCB FC.

Despite sitting lower on the table, Shabana will draw confidence from their solid home form, having won four of their seven matches at Gusii Stadium.

The Brewers, on the other hand, will be without their top scorer Ryan Ogam, who is on national duty with Harambee Stars in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

Nonetheless, Tusker's seasoned coach Charles Okere remains optimistic about his side’s chances, especially given their impressive 57% win rate this season. 

Shabana, affectionately known as Tore Bobe, has transformed Gusii Stadium into a fortress after a shaky start to the campaign, and this match could define their mid-season momentum.

"We respect Shabana’s resurgence, especially at home, but we are Tusker FC, and our mentality is to win every match, no matter the circumstances," said Tusker coach Charles Okere ahead of the match. 

"Even without Ryan, we have the depth and quality to get the job done."

Shabana will need to summon all their tactical discipline to fend off Tusker’s formidable challenge. 

In their previous two encounters, Tusker has edged Shabana once, showcasing their dominance in this fixture. 

However, Tore Bobe’s home crowd could be the 12th player, urging their team to defy the odds and secure a statement victory against the 13-time league champions.

A win would not only boost Shabana’s points tally but also solidify their reputation as a competitive force in the league.

Meanwhile, FC Talanta, under the guidance of the league’s first-ever female head coach Jackline Juma, prepares to face Kakamega Homeboyz in a Saturday evening clash. 

Juma’s boys will face a stiff challenge in Abana ba Ingo, who come into the game buoyed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya Police.

For Talanta, the focus will be on executing Juma’s dynamic game plan and showcasing their attacking flair. 

Kakamega Homeboyz, meanwhile, will look to return to winning ways after a string of inconsistent performances.

Elsewhere, City Stars are set to lock horns with Post Rangers in another intriguing clash.

City Stars, desperate to move up the table, will be looking to take advantage of Post Rangers’ inconsistent form. 

Both teams have struggled to find consistency, and the match offers a chance for either side to regain momentum as the league heads into a crucial phase.