)
Tore Bobe supporters are hoping for a positive top-flight campaign after 17 years in the cold but they might have to settle for less given the club’s difficult circumstances
Shabana FC ended the 2022-23 season with much funfair after earning promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League as champions of the second tier but there has been very little to celebrate since.
Tore Bobe have had a quiet pre-season at a time their rivals have been busy strengthening and unveiling new signings.
The biggest reason is that the club is yet to firm up a sponsor which would allow them to loosen the purse strings and register new players.
Delayed pre-season
)
Indeed, coach Sammy Okoth confirmed to Pulse Sports that he is still waiting for the way forward from his bosses but also admitted that the issue has taken longer than he had hoped which is affecting his plans for the new season.
)
11:00 - 10.08.2023
FOOTBALL: 'Worried' Shabana coach reveals what is delaying his pre-season plans
Sammy Okoth is hoping that Tore Bobe can quickly sort out what is holding them back so that they can intensify their preparations for the new season
“Players are signed when there is an agreement and a salary to pay them. We are yet to do that because we have not yet firmed up the issue of sponsorship,” Okoth told Pulse Sports on Thursday.
Okoth has, nonetheless, continued training his charges. So far, Shabana have not lost any of the players that earned them promotion but the tactician knows that is not enough.
Having identified those he needs, the former Vihiga United coach has been working with some of his targets as he waits to know if funds will be availed to hand them contracts while also tying up the other members of squad to improved deals after struggling financially last season.
So far, former Bandari defender Rodgers Aloro, right-back Prince Ayieko from Nzoia Sugar, striker Johanna Mwita from Bandari, left-back Hillary Wekesa from Kakamega Homeboyz, former Sony Sugar winger Salomon 'Agogo' Omolo and midfielder Mark Okola from Okoth’s former side Vihiga are the players who have been training with Shabana with the hope of signing contracts with the club.
Star players
)
19:11 - 29.07.2023
FOOTBALL Shabana coach identifies what must change if they have to avoid Premier League failure
The tactician has warned the club hierarchy against veering off the plan unless they want a relegation fight.
)
However, cognizant of the need to maintain squad harmony, Shabana have ensured that they keep the players that won them promotion intact and they have two gems who should take the Premier League by storm.
Nehemiah ‘Neymar’ Onchiri and Peter Ogechi were the driving force for their promotion, the former bagging over 20 goals, while the latter was the chief architect, pulling the strings just behind.
Onchiri was unstoppable in the National Super League, earning numerous Man of the Match awards and scored more than once quite often.
Blessed with good pace and a great finish, the forward is also a dead-ball specialist and scored a number of sumptuous free-kicks, a skillset that should serve Tore Bobe well in the top flight.
Shabana will, therefore, rely on him for goals and he should get help from new arrival Mwita if his signing is finalised.
But Onchiri will not score if the chances are not created and that is where Ogechi comes in. The midfielder likes to play just behind the striker and has good vision which should feed his strikers well.
The coach
)
)
07:09 - 31.07.2023
FOOTBALL Shabana coach explains why fans should lower their expectations
Sammy Okoth has called for patience from Tore Bobe supporters following their Premier League promotion.
Shabana were more of a counter-attacking team last season, tearing defences apart with their pace and power, but will need to change the approach slightly to cope in the Premier League.
The Kenyan league is not known to produce many goals due to the defensive approach of many teams and as such, counter-attacking football might not always be effective.
Shabana also dominated their opponents in the Super League because they were among the top sides but they will be the underdogs in the top flight which might call for some conservative approach.
In Okoth, they have a coach who is adept at playing both ways, having handled Zoo Kericho and Vihiga United, before joining Shabana.
The former Kenyan international guided Vihiga to promotion in the 2019-20 season but left the club the following year, owing to financial difficulties.
At both clubs, the tactician had to work under difficult circumstances and he seems like the safe pair of hands to guide Shabana through the tough league.
Season’s target
)
He has, however, warned Shabana fans against expecting too much in the Premier League.
Looking at their where they are coming from, Shabana fans would be stretching it too far if they expected titles given they have been in the cold for 17 years.
Tore Bobe should be aiming to stay in the Premier League next season after which they can build on for a better position going forward.
First five fixtures
)
Their first five fixtures will give them a picture of where they are as they face newly-promoted Murang’a Seal, FC Talanta, Kenya Police, Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards. While the first two matches might be a little easier, the next three will test them to the limit.
)
15:30 - 07.08.2023
Gusii Stadium renovations start in earnest as Shabana's home ground gets makeover
Chinese expertise and county investment promise a thrilling football experience.
Shabana relied heavily on home support last season, losing just once at Gusii Stadium, but the facility will not be available for all home matches due to renovations.
The club is exploring the possibility of playing some home matches in Narok or at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay and it remains to be seen if their supporters will turn up in large numbers as they did at Gusii.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)