Michira refuses to give up on title ambitions

Shabana FC midfielder Brian Michira during practice/SHABANA 

Shabana FC’s attacking midfielder Brian Michira Migiro has returned to full form, steering the “Tore Bobe” side through a strong Sportpesa Premier League campaign as they sit third with 40 points from 23 matches.

Known to fans as “BM10” or “Messi,” Michira has been the creative heartbeat of the team, combining leadership with goal-scoring prowess.

After a three-month groin injury sustained in October 2025, Michira returned to action in early January, immediately making an impact.

He opened the scoring against Nairobi United and later converted a decisive 28th-minute penalty in a 1–0 win over Bandari FC on February 1. Reflecting on his return, Michira said, “Coming back from injury and immediately helping the team win gave me confidence again.”

Despite Shabana suffering a heavy 5–1 defeat to AFC Leopards on March 1, Michira remains focused on the bigger picture. “My focus is always on the team first. Goals and assists are important, but helping Shabana win is what matters most,” he explained, underlining his role as the side’s talisman and motivator.

Born on August 31, 1994, in Mokomoni, Nyamira County, Michira’s football journey began on improvised village pitches before rising through Matongo Boys High School, where he captained the school team in regional and national competitions.

He later developed his attacking instincts at Kiendege Jets, Nyamira All Stars, and Korgoncho Youth. “When Shabana called me in 2020, I knew it was a big responsibility. This is a club with history and fans who live and breathe football,” Michira recalled.

Since joining Shabana, he has been instrumental in the club’s rise from the National Super League to the FKF Premier League. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 17 goals and provided eight assists, earning the club’s Player of the Season award. “Winning awards is great, but I measure success by how much I help the team,” Michira said.

Michira’s performances have also earned him recognition on the national stage. He represented Harambee Stars at the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup and was included in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad, where he wore the number 7 jersey.

“Wearing the Harambee Stars shirt is the dream of every Kenyan footballer. When you represent the country, you play for millions of people,” he reflected.

Shabana’s recent FKF Cup triumph over Muhoroni Youth, a 5–2 win that advanced them to the Round of 16, further highlighted Michira’s influence.

“It was important to show our fans that we can bounce back. Kevin Omundi and I were just trying to do our jobs for the team,” he said. Looking ahead to fixtures against Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia, and Murang’a Seal, Michira emphasised the squad’s ambition.

“We believe in ourselves. The league is not finished. We still have many games to fight,” he said, stressing the club’s determination to challenge for the title. He added, “Every match is an opportunity to prove that we belong at the top.”

Michira’s leadership extends beyond scoring. “Our fans deserve success. They travel everywhere to support us. The least we can do is fight for every point,” he noted, underscoring the responsibility that comes with wearing the Shabana jersey. With big matches approaching, he remains focused on delivering for both the club and its supporters. 

“Big matches are where players prove themselves. I want to help Shabana achieve something special this season,” Michira concluded.