Shabana FC head coach Ahmed Fathi/HANDOUT Shabana FC have stepped up their preparations for the new season in Nakuru as they seek to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic honours.
A new wind is sweeping through the Kisii-based club under Egyptian tactician Ahmed Fathi Abdalla Ibrahim, who has made discipline, consistency and an unyielding winning mentality the pillars of his revolution.
At the same time, the Glamour Boys will have to forge a new home away from home, with the refurbishment of Gusii Stadium forcing them to shift their fixtures to Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
For Fathi, the task is to replace fleeting sparks of form with a steely mentality capable of sustaining Shabana through the twists, turns and relentless demands of a full campaign.
“The biggest aspect we are working on is improving our winning mentality,” Fathi said. “We are working on how we can have and guard our winning mentality for the whole season and in every game.”
Shabana have given Fathi a more formidable arsenal, recruiting reinforcements across the pitch while keeping the backbone of last season’s squad intact.
Among the new arrivals are Congolese goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila from Tusker, defender Collins Okumu from Malawian giants Nyasa Big Bullets, attacking midfielder Sigmunn Maina Irungu from Swedish outfit AIK Framtid FK and striker Luis Ingavi, who has arrived from the United States.
Derrick Otanga has also joined from Kakamega Homeboyz, while former Nairobi United captain Daniel Bichiok brings versatility and leadership to the squad. Alex Onchwari, Edwin Jumba, Herbert Sunday, Brian Ogutu and Rashid Moyo have further increased the club's options.
Captain George 'Dizo' Onyango believes the squad must quickly develop a strong bond despite the changes made during the off-season.
“We have to stay together as a team and make sure everyone understands what Shabana stands for,” Onyango said, stressing the importance of unity as the club adapts to a new technical regime.
The skipper may have been forced to the sidelines by injury, but his leadership remains firmly embedded in the camp. He travelled with his teammates and continued to contribute to tactical discussions as the new coaching staff shape the team.
Fathi has made it clear that Shabana's ambitions are not limited to improving on their previous league position. The Egyptian tactician wants the club to compete for major honours and return to the continental stage.
“With this kind of club and the kind of supporters we have, we should be aiming high,” Fathi said. “We want to compete at the continental level, and we have to be competing for the league.”
The club's ambitious plans have also received financial support, with President William Ruto releasing the final Sh10 million tranche of his Sh20 million pledge to help Shabana meet training and logistical costs while displaced from Gusii Stadium.
For Onyango, the responsibility that comes with wearing the Shabana shirt has grown alongside the club's ambitions. He believes the players must embrace the expectations rather than allow them to become a burden.
“We know what the supporters expect from us, and that gives us motivation every time we step onto the pitch,” the captain said.
Shabana have also streamlined their technical structure, with the Rwandese strength and conditioning coach Hatagekimana Corneille joining assistant coach Hesbon Nyabinge on Fathi's staff. The changes followed the departure of interim coach Osborne Monday and Peter Okidi.
Several players have also left, including defender Wycliffe Omondi, who joined Nairobi United, and Congolese striker Mambote Batshi Assis.
Despite the changes, Shabana secretary-general Elizaphan Kerama has maintained that there has been no mass exodus, with the club retaining a substantial part of its previous squad.
That continuity will be crucial as the new arrivals attempt to settle into Fathi's system and the club seeks to turn its ambitions into consistent performances.
“We have to believe in ourselves and fight for every game,” Onyango said, calling on his teammates to match the club's ambitions with commitment on the pitch.
Fathi is equally demanding, insisting that hard work will determine whether Shabana can translate their pre-season investment into success.
“We believe in hard work, and we will work very hard to put Shabana in the place that they deserve,” he said.
“We will do our best to make the fans proud of their support for Shabana,” Fathi said.
