Shabana FC faces a critical fight against relegation with six challenging matches left starting with a pivotal game against Gor Mahia.
On March 17 a poignant scene unfolded on the slopes of Ngong Hills as 125 fans of Shabana FC gathered for a prayer session invoking divine help to avoid relegation from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.
Fast forward to today and the team's situation remains precarious yet hopeful standing 15th on the league table after a mixed run of results.
With only six matches left in the season, Shabana's journey to remain in Kenya's top football division hangs by a thread. The team is slated to face formidable opponents, starting with a critical match against Gor Mahia on May 11.
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Shabana midfielder calls for fan support as Gor Mahia clash looms
Shabana FC midfielder calls for fan support as the team battles relegation with six crucial matches left in the season.
This game is not just another league fixture; it is a 'do-or-die' battle for Shabana where a victory could galvanize their survival hopes while a defeat could pave their path to relegation.
Charles Mochena, the national fans’ chairman of Shabana, expressed his concerns and hopes.
“Shabana have been given the support any team needs to perform in the top-flight, the management has done everything to keep the players happy, and the fans have also been turning out in large numbers to support the team (when in action) but what they give us in return is not good enough," Mochena explained in a recent interview with People Daily.
“It is the reason we felt prayers could help, we descended Ngong Hills to pray for the team, our coach, and the players to get enough strength and courage to win their remaining matches so that we can be able to keep our status in the league."
Shabana’s remaining fixtures include challenging encounters against FC Talanta, Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards, Bidco United, and Murang’a Seal.
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Each match presents its own set of challenges and opportunities as the team's strategy seems to hinge on securing home victories and scraping at least a few points in away games.
Analyzing Shabana's tactical approach, sports analyst Joseph Karanja notes
"The key for Shabana is in their defense. They have to tighten up at the back and seize moments to counter-attack, especially against teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. It's all about resilience now."
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Shabana coach Sammy Omollo recently shared his strategy as the team approaches the critical stage.
“We have our targets but we are taking one game at a time. It is in our hands and as at now, we do not depend on any other team. Destiny is in our hands and we have to get as many points as possible,”Omollo told reporters.
Amidst this battle against relegation, the Shabana community's spirit remains vibrant.
15:48 - 06.05.2024
AFC Leopards boss praises Levis Opiyo after goalkeeping heroics in win over Bandari
Opiyo had been under pressure after his howler cost AFC Leopards the match against Gor Mahia, but found himself getting serenaded by the fans for his Bandari heroics on Sunday.
The fans, often seen draped in their team's colors, continue to rally behind their beloved club, echoing chants of hope and resilience.
Their presence at the stadium has turned into a testament to their loyalty and belief in the team's potential to defy the odds.
As the season nears its climax, the question looms large: Can Shabana orchestrate a miraculous escape from relegation? The odds are daunting, the path is treacherous, but in football, as in life, hope is the last to die.
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The coming weeks will not just test the skill and strategy of Shabana FC but also the strength of their unity and the depth of their determination.
The next match against Gor Mahia is more than just a fixture on the calendar—it is a battle for survival, a plea for continuity, and a moment of truth.
The eyes of their supporters and the hearts of their players are all set on this crucial encounter that could very well decide their fate in the FKF Premier League.
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