Bernard Mwalala (c) with members of Shabana's technical bench. He is set to join Bandari as head coach/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Sportpesa League side Shabana FC has suffered a blow following the departure of assistant coach Bernard Mwalala.

Mwalala is set to be reunited with his former side, Bandari FC. He has been a key figure in the Glamour Boys’ technical bench, where he served as Peter Okidi’s assistant.

Mwalala was in charge of Shabana in November when Okidi was in Ethiopia for national duty. During the month, the club went five games unbeaten.

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At the beginning of the season, the club lost performance analyst Osborne Monday, who is now the head coach of Sportpesa League side Murang’a Seal.

On Friday, Shabana Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama denied Mwalala’s departure. “I have seen the reports on social media. Just ignore the rumours, Mwalala is still under contract with us until the end of the season. In case of anything, we shall give official communication,” said Kerama.

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Shabana is set to host league newcomers Nairobi United at Gusii Stadium on Sunday at 2 pm in a rescheduled match.

However, Mwalala has been absent from the team’s training since they resumed training on Monday after the festive season break. A source at Bandari confirmed Mwalala has rejoined the Dockers and will be unveiled as the two parties agree terms.

Two other Sportpesa League teams, Ulinzi Stars and Kenya Police, were interested in Mwalala’s services, but he opted to return to the coastal city for his second stint.

During his earlier stint at Bandari in the year 2009, the former forward led the team to the FKF cup glory and a second-place finish in the league. In the CAF Confederations Cup, the club suffered a final round exit at the hands of Guinea Premier League giants Horoya AC.  

Mwalala takes over from Morocco coach Mohammed Borji, who was sacked in December after just eight games. He oversaw one win, five draws, and two losses during his two-month era. Borji was sacked alongside his assistant Tarik Mendamou. Goalkeeper trainer Razak Siwa has been handling the team following Borji’s sacking.

In December, the club also disbanded their Board of Trustees, only retaining the chief executive officer Tony Kibwana.