Okidi tips Shabana to challenge for FKF Premier League title next season

Photo Credit – Shabana Fc Kenya.

Shabana head coach Peter Okidi has backed the Kisii-based Glamour Boys to challenge for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title next season.

Tore Bobe came close to winning the title in the 2024/25 campaign but they were beaten to it after Kenya Police were crowned on Sunday. The law enforcers needed a header courtesy of Brian Okoth to ensure they reached an unassailable 64 points with a game to spare. They won the title after registering 18 wins, 10 draws and suffering five defeats.

For Shabana, the defeat left them fifth on the 18-team league table with 52 points, and they could finish as high as the second position if they win their last game of the season, and Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker falter.

“We will work on our mistakes during pre-season, beef up the squad in some key areas and get ready to go in the new season. I want us to fight for the title from the start of the season, what I know we will be among the title contenders next season, and that is for sure,” Okidi told Flashscore.

On losing to Police, he said: “It is part of the game, but the first half injury to our striker Darius Msagha affected our game plan, losing him forced us to make changes to our game plan which never worked, and again we conceded from a set-piece, and it is one thing that has really bogged us down this season.”

Okidi concluded: “I congratulate Police for taking the league, they have had a good season, and they have been rewarded going by the way they fought for the title, they really deserved it. We will now look upon them, and as they represent Kenya in CAF, we wish them well, we want them to go out there and make the country proud.”

Shabana will conclude the season with a home fixture against Ulinzi Stars at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.