Pamzo Ready for Shabana’s Return to Action After Friendly Win
Shabana FC head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omolo has expressed confidence in his team’s preparation for their upcoming league clash against Ulinzi Stars FC, thanks to a 2-0 win in a friendly against Dimba Patriots. This match served as a critical opportunity for the team to regain match fitness after a month-long inactivity in the league. With both strikers finding the net, Pamzo is optimistic about Shabana’s prospects in their next fixture.
Maintaining Fitness After a Month of Inactivity
Shabana FC, affectionately known as the Glamour Boys, has had an extended break from league action due to scheduling conflicts. Their last competitive match was a 1-1 draw against Bidco United in their league opener, but their subsequent match against Kenya Police was postponed. The latter had a CAF Confederation Cup assignment against Zamalek, leaving Shabana without league competition for nearly a month.
Pamzo acknowledged the challenge this layoff posed for his team, as other sides in the Kenyan Premier League remained active. The friendly against Dimba Patriots was, therefore, crucial to keeping the squad sharp.
“It was a good game for us to regain match fitness ahead of next week’s game against Ulinzi Stars FC. We hadn’t played any friendly matches since our last league game against Bidco United, and I saw some positive aspects in that match that we can build on,” said Pamzo.
Dimba Patriots Provide a Tough Challenge
The decision to play Dimba Patriots, a National Super League (NSL) side, was strategic. Dimba proved to be a tough opponent, offering the kind of challenge Pamzo believes his team needed before facing the military outfit Ulinzi Stars, who were also inactive over the weekend.
“The opponent was solid. Dimba have a very strong team, and they competed well, which is exactly what we wanted because league games are tough. To prepare for them, you need to face quality teams,” Pamzo added.
This hard-fought victory, where Shabana won 2-0, allowed the team to test their tactics, build match stamina, and get into the right mindset for their return to league action.
Strikers on Target: Positive Signs for Shabana
One of the highlights of the friendly was the performance of Shabana’s strikers, Dennis Okoth and Mathew Tegisi, who both found the back of the net. This goal-scoring display pleased Pamzo, who is keen to see his forwards maintain their form as they prepare to return to competitive football.
“It’s always a good thing for a coach and the team when the strikers are scoring. We hope they can maintain this form in the league games,” the coach said, expressing his satisfaction with the duo’s performance.
Shabana will be counting on these two to provide the necessary firepower against Ulinzi Stars in their next match.
Preparing for Ulinzi Stars: A Key Clash for Shabana
The upcoming match against Ulinzi Stars is a vital one for Shabana, as both teams will be looking to make a statement after their respective breaks. Ulinzi, a strong and well-organized side, will pose a significant challenge, especially with their disciplined approach to defending. Pamzo, however, believes his team is prepared after the intensity of the Dimba friendly.
With both teams having been inactive, the battle for fitness and sharpness could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Shabana’s performance in the friendly match, coupled with their attacking prowess, will give them confidence going into this fixture.
Shabana’s Long-Term Goals for the Season
As Shabana FC returns to action, they will be looking to build on their performances and push for a strong position in the league. Pamzo is focused on ensuring the team not only improves its match fitness but also fine-tunes its strategy and cohesion on the field.
Pamzo’s leadership and the squad’s promising display against Dimba Patriots suggest that Shabana could be a team to watch this season. If their key players can maintain their form and if the team continues to build on the positive aspects seen in their recent performances, Shabana could have a successful campaign ahead.
Conclusion: Shabana Gearing Up for Ulinzi Test
With their friendly win against Dimba Patriots providing much-needed preparation, Shabana FC is set to return to league action with renewed confidence. Head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omolo has every reason to be optimistic, as his players showed sharpness, resilience, and goal-scoring ability during their break from league competition.
As they face Ulinzi Stars on 21 September, the Glamour Boys will be hoping to capitalize on their preparation and kick-start their season with a strong performance. Pamzo’s belief in his strikers and the team’s fitness will be crucial as they aim to get back into the rhythm of the league and push for a successful campaign.
Shabana FC fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of their team and hoping to see the positive signs from the friendly translate into league success.
By staying focused on match fitness, squad depth, and attacking capabilities, Shabana FC has the potential to make a real impact as they continue their journey in the Kenyan Premier League.
