Shabana FC players celebrate during a previous match/ HANDOUTOkidi’s defiant stance comes against the backdrop of an uncharacteristic dip in home form for the Glamour Boys, whose backyard was a feared fortress last season.
Shabana opened their 2025/26 campaign emphatically at Gusii, beating debutants APS Bomet 4-2, but consistency soon proved elusive.
Posta Rangers edged them 2-1 before Mathare United snatched a narrow 1-0 victory, followed by a 2-1 defeat to AFC Leopards. The tide briefly turned when Shabana ground out a 1-0 win over Bidco United and secured a hard-fought draw against Mara Sugar, restoring some belief.
However, momentum stalled again after a sobering 3-1 loss to Nairobi United.
Last weekend’s goalless draw at home to record champions Gor Mahia appears to have rekindled Okidi’s confidence, reinforcing his belief that Gusii Stadium can once again become hostile territory for visiting sides.
“I don’t see any team beating Shabana at Gusii now,” Okidi declared.
The tactician admitted his side had fallen short of expectations, particularly in front of their loyal supporters.
“We have disappointed our fans in our previous home matches. As much as we don’t want to lose, we know we must do better,” he said.
Okidi revealed that the turning point came after the Nairobi United defeat, with the team drawing a clear line ahead of the Gor Mahia encounter.
“We told ourselves that the Nairobi United match was the last game we would lose at Gusii. We picked lessons from the Gor Mahia match and at least got a point,” he noted.
The Shabana boss reiterated that maximum commitment will be non-negotiable in all home fixtures as the club pushes for vital points.
“We want to fight in every match we play. We will give 100 per cent and work hard to get maximum points at home,” he added.
After 16 league matches, Shabana have accumulated 24 points — a tally Okidi believes can be significantly improved if their home form matches their solid performances on the road.
“If we are getting points away from home, we must do the same at Gusii. If we combine both, then the league will be in our hands,” he said.
On Saturday, Shabana face Batoto Ba Mungu, who sit 17th on the table and are winless in their last eight league matches. Sofapaka head into the fixture after a 1-1 draw against Bidco United.
The encounter promises to be a nail-biter, especially considering last season’s head-to-head record. Sofapaka won the first leg 1-0 before Shabana returned the favour with an identical scoreline in the reverse fixture.
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