Shabana Football Club, led by Coach Sammy Okoth, may have encountered a less-than-ideal start in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, but their aspirations remain sky-high. Despite failing to secure a victory in their first five league matches, Okoth and his team are unwavering in their optimism, aiming for a remarkable top 10 finish in the league.
The return of Shabana to the top-flight league after an absence of 17 years generated immense excitement among their loyal fans. However, their initial performance in the Premier League has been marked by mixed results, including three draws and two losses in their opening five games. Nevertheless, their recent gritty display in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards showcased resilience in the face of adversity.
Shabana FC Coach Speaks out after the very first game
Coach Sammy Okoth remains undaunted by these early season setbacks. Instead, he maintains a strong belief in the quality of his squad and their potential to secure a top 10 finish. While many newly-promoted teams often set their primary goal as avoiding relegation, Okoth and Shabana are aiming higher and setting their sights on a loftier target.
“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,” Okoth emphasized.
Realizing this ambitious goal of a top 10 finish necessitates a swift turnaround in Shabana’s performance. Their struggles have encompassed difficulties in converting scoring opportunities and maintaining leads when they do manage to find the back of the net. Okoth is acutely aware of these challenges and has pledged to address their efficiency in front of goal.
Furthermore, Okoth has expressed concern about the impatience exhibited by some of the club’s fans. He firmly believes that his young and relatively inexperienced team requires time to adapt to the rigorous demands of the Premier League. Okoth underscores the significance of patience and unwavering support from the fans as crucial factors in aiding the players’ development and enabling them to perform at their best.
“Sometimes frustrations can be too much. Some people lack patience; they forget this is a young team and new to the Premier League. 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,” Okoth added.
Shabana FC’s upcoming challenge is an away match against Tusker FC, and Coach Okoth remains hopeful for a change in fortune. Despite their early setbacks, the team stands firm in their determination to labor diligently, enhance their performance, and steadfastly pursue their goal of securing a coveted top 10 finish in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but Shabana and Coach Okoth are resolutely focused on their ambitious destination.