'Worried' Shabana coach reveals what is delaying his pre-season plans

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FOOTBALL: 'Worried' Shabana coach reveals what is delaying his pre-season plans

Joel Omotto 11:00 - 10.08.2023

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

Shabana coach Sammy Okoth is worried that he might run out of time before the new season starts having not been able to sign any new player so far.

Tore Bobe are preparing for their journey in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League next season after earning promotion as National Super League champions following 17 years in the lower tiers.

Okoth says he needs to reinforce his squad to be in a position to sustain their run in the top flight and while he has identified a number of players, some even training with his team, he is yet to get assurances whether or when their signings will be completed.

“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.

“You cannot start making pronouncements on whom you have signed when nothing has been agreed yet. I believe this week the club bosses will be in Nairobi again to sort out the issue of sponsorship after which we will be able to know whom we are signing based on the agreements.”

Shabana have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks with defenders Hillary Ndombi, Price Ayieko, Michael Wandera and Rodgers Aloro, goalkeeper Michael Wanyika, midfielder Mark Okola and striker Johanna Mwita among those rumoured to be on the club’s radar.

“I have my players from last season, thankfully all of them returned, and we have new ones as well,” added Okoth.

“The issue is that I cannot say the new ones are mine because we have not officially signed them. They are training with us, we are looking at them and if they convince us and we reach an agreement then it will be official.

“A lot of names are being thrown around but I am on the ground I have different players. The moment the issue of sponsorship is done, we will make things official.”

Shabana were reported to be close to sealing a deal with betting firm Bangbet as their new sponsor last month but it looks like an agreement has taken longer than anticipated.

Okoth had previously expressed his concern that it could be a season of struggle if the team gets into the new campaign without financial backing and while he hopes for a solution quick, he is worried that it might delay his plans.

“We are a bit late because everyone else is busy in pre-season but we are not there yet. We are waiting for the sponsor after which there will be clarity on many things but I hope it is not too late,” said Okoth.