Shabana FC, a well-known name in Kenyan football, is set to make an emotional return to their home ground, Gusii Stadium, for the first time in 18 years.
The upcoming midweek clash against 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka will be a special moment for Shabana FC fans, who have waited almost two decades to see their beloved team play in their home city.
After years of uncertainty and challenges, Shabana FC’s homecoming marks a new chapter for the club, with coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo determined to give their passionate supporters a performance to remember.
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The return of Shabana FC to Gusii Stadium is more than just a football match; it’s a historic moment that celebrates the club’s deep roots in the community.
For 18 long years, the team has been away from their home ground, a period marked by struggles and missed opportunities. Now, they are back, and the excitement in the air is palpable.
Wednesday’s game against Sofapaka is more than just three points—it’s about reconnecting with their loyal fanbase and marking the start of a new era for the club.
Shabana FC coach Sammy Omollo, fondly known as Pamzo, is fully aware of the significance of this game. He expressed his excitement and confidence ahead of the match, urging fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team.
“It’s an opportunity for our fans to watch the team playing at home after an 18-year hiatus. We will not let them down,” Omollo said, making it clear that Shabana FC’s players are ready to fight for victory in front of their home crowd.
Recent Form and Injury Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding their return, Shabana FC’s form on the pitch has been inconsistent. The team recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Mara Sugar, a result that left Pamzo disappointed with the performance. “We gave away a very soft goal against Mara Sugar. I have told the players what I expect from them in the game against Sofapaka,” Omollo stated, emphasizing the need for improvement in their upcoming match.
The coach will be without some key players for the Sofapaka encounter, with top scorer Mathew Tegisi, captain Justine Omwando, and new signing Darius Msagha all nursing injuries. Tegisi is struggling with an ankle injury, while Maasai has a muscle problem.
Msagha’s debut remains uncertain, as his fitness will be assessed closer to the match. “Msagha has a 50-50 chance of making his debut, but I don’t want him to aggravate his injury,” Omollo added.
These absences will be a test of Shabana’s squad depth, but Pamzo remains optimistic, stating that other players will be given the chance to step up. The coach’s focus is on motivating his team to rise to the occasion, especially with the backing of their passionate fans at Gusii Stadium.
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Sofapaka’s Struggles and Battle for Points
Sofapaka, under the guidance of veteran tactician Robert Matano, have also endured a difficult start to the season. The 2009 champions are winless so far, and they will be desperate to turn things around when they face Shabana.
Matano, known for his experience and tactical acumen, will be looking to get his team firing on all cylinders, especially in attack, where Sofapaka have struggled to convert chances into goals.
Both teams find themselves in need of a win, and Wednesday’s clash is shaping up to be a fierce contest. While Shabana FC will be buoyed by their homecoming and the energy of their fans, Sofapaka will rely on their experience and tactical discipline to frustrate the hosts and possibly steal a result.
Shabana FC’s return to Gusii Stadium is expected to attract a large crowd, with fans eager to welcome their team back home.
To encourage even more support, the club has announced that gate charges for their match against Posta Rangers on December 4 will be waived.
This gesture is a clear indication of the club’s commitment to reconnecting with their fanbase and making football more accessible to their supporters.
Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama revealed the ticketing structure for the rest of the season, with weekday matches priced at Sh500 for VVIP, Sh200 for VIP, and Sh200 for terraces.
Weekend matches will see tickets priced at Sh1,000 for VVIP, Sh500 for VIP, and Sh300 for terraces. This structured pricing aims to make it easier for fans to attend matches, while also ensuring the club generates much-needed revenue.
Prediction and What to Expect from the Match
Both Shabana FC and Sofapaka have struggled to find their best form in the early stages of the season, but Wednesday’s match promises to be a hard-fought battle.
Shabana FC’s return to Gusii Stadium will provide them with a psychological boost, and the support of their fans could be a decisive factor in the outcome.
However, with key players missing due to injury, Pamzo’s side will need to be defensively solid and clinical in attack if they are to claim all three points.
Sofapaka, on the other hand, will be looking to spoil the homecoming party with a disciplined performance. Robert Matano’s experience in managing high-pressure games will be crucial, and his team will likely sit back and look to hit Shabana on the counterattack.
Jambobet Prediction: Shabana 2-1 Sofapaka.
