After an 18-year hiatus, FKF Premier League matches are set to make a historic return to Gusii Stadium, marking a significant moment for both the club and the local football community. Shabana FC, a team with deep roots in Kisii County, is gearing up to host their first top-flight match at the newly renovated stadium this weekend against Posta Rangers. What makes this return even more exciting is the active participation of Shabana fans, who had a direct say in determining the ticket prices for the upcoming games.
The Long-Awaited Return to Gusii Stadium
The return of FKF Premier League football to Gusii Stadium is a moment of pride for the local community and Shabana fans. For nearly two decades, the club has been forced to play its home matches away from its true base due to various challenges, including the need for stadium renovations. Last season, Shabana had to play their home games at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, which impacted their performance and connection with their local fanbase.
The club’s Secretary General, Elizaphan Kerama, has expressed his enthusiasm for the return to Gusii Stadium, emphasizing the importance of home advantage for the team’s performance. “Last season was particularly challenging for the club, as the team had to play home matches away from Kisii. The conditions in Homa Bay were different, and it affected the players’ performance. Now that we are back home, we expect to see a positive change,” Kerama said.
Shabana Fans Play a Crucial Role in Ticket Pricing
One of the most remarkable aspects of this historic return is the active involvement of Shabana fans in the decision-making process regarding ticket prices. Through a public participation process, the club sought input from its loyal supporters to ensure that the pricing structure was fair and accessible to the local community.
According to Kerama, the fans’ feedback was invaluable in shaping the ticket prices for the upcoming matches. The agreed pricing structure includes Ksh. 200 for terrace seats, Ksh. 500 for VIP seats, and Ksh. 1,000 for VVIP seats. This tiered pricing approach allows fans from various financial backgrounds to enjoy the games and show their support for Shabana FC.
“We normally source views from our fans before making key decisions, and the ticket pricing was no exception,” Kerama explained. “We conducted public participation, allowing fans to share their thoughts on how much they would be willing to pay for tickets. Based on their feedback, we arrived at a pricing structure that is both affordable and reflective of the value of watching top-tier football at Gusii Stadium. We will be communicating the final prices to the rest of our fans through our social media platforms.”
The Importance of Fan Support in Shabana’s Journey
Shabana FC has a rich history in Kenyan football and a passionate fanbase that has stood by the team through thick and thin. The club, often referred to as “The Glamour Boys,” has experienced its share of ups and downs, but the unwavering support of its fans has been a constant source of motivation. The return to Gusii Stadium offers a fresh start for the club, and fan support will be crucial as the team looks to improve its standing in the FKF Premier League.
RALLYING CALL TO OUR FANS
Tujaze Gusii Stadium Sato.
Shabana Fc VS Posta Rangers Fc
3PM EAT.
Tickets will be sold physically
Regular 200/-
VIP 500/-
VVIP 1,000/-
Nunua ticket jenga team. pic.twitter.com/IHMuhQN4D2
— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) September 25, 2024
Last season, Shabana narrowly avoided relegation, a situation that Kerama attributes to several factors, including the absence of home advantage. “The fans are the twelfth man on the pitch, and their support can make a huge difference in the team’s performance. Last season, we missed that connection with our supporters because we were playing away from home. This season, we are back at Gusii Stadium, and we expect the fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer the team on,” Kerama said.
With the return to their home ground, Shabana FC is hopeful that the familiar environment and passionate fanbase will provide the boost needed to perform better in the league. The team will be looking to secure their first win of the season when they take on Posta Rangers this weekend, having drawn their first two matches of the current campaign.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Shabana’s return to Gusii Stadium is not just about football; it represents a broader opportunity for the community to reconnect with their team. The local economy is also expected to benefit from the influx of fans attending matches, with businesses around the stadium likely to see an increase in activity on match days.
Kerama acknowledges that while the return to Gusii Stadium is a significant milestone, there are still challenges ahead. The team must work hard to improve its performance on the pitch, especially after a challenging season last year. “We have fixed several issues that contributed to our poor run last season, and we are optimistic about the future. The team is more focused, and with the support of our fans, we believe we can achieve great things this season,” Kerama remarked.
Here are the table standings.#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/mZ1rdHauEg
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) September 22, 2024
Shabana’s first home game of the season against Posta Rangers is highly anticipated, with fans eagerly waiting to see their team in action on home soil. The club’s coaching staff, led by head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, has been working tirelessly to prepare the team for the match, focusing on tactics and team cohesion. The Glamour Boys will be aiming for their first victory of the season, having drawn 1-1 with Bidco United and 2-2 with Ulinzi Stars in their opening fixtures.
