Shabana head coach Peter Okidi was over the moon after his charges showcased their prowess in a commanding 4-1 triumph over Kakamega Homeboyz at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii on a sun-drenched Sunday.
The outcome marked a significant turning point in the club’s campaign, igniting the Glamour Boys’ hopes of charging for their maiden topflight title.
Okidi could hardly contain his elation as he reflected on the game after the full-time whistle. His exuberance was palpable, a stark contrast to the disappointment expressed in the wake of their previous encounter.
Okidi said the integration of new signings has proven beneficial and the coaching staff’s strategic decisions are beginning to bear fruit.
“I’m extremely excited. This was one of our best performances of the season and it is obvious the new signings we brought in during the mid-season transfer window are proving effective.”
The victory propelled Shabana FC to the sixth spot on the league table, positioning them within striking distance of a coveted top-five finish.
“Such a win can boost a team’s spirits and motivate them for the rest of the season in the Kenyan Premier League’s competitive environment,” Okidi stated.
“The victory catalyzes our ambitions. With new found confidence and momentum, we are poised to challenge for a top-five finish, a goal that seemed distant just weeks ago,” he added.
The match itself was a spectacle, characterised by moments of brilliance and tactical acumen. The opening goal came in the 32nd minute, courtesy of Elvis Osok, whose deft touch and precise execution opened the floodgates for the Glamour Boys.
This goal provided a psychological advantage heading into halftime and set the tone for the remainder of the match. As the second half commenced, the hosts continued to assert their dominance.
Brian Michira, a player whose ambitions for the Golden Boot had been simmering beneath the surface, seized the moment in the 64th minute. His goal was a master-class in positioning and execution.
Just eleven minutes later, Oscar Juma added to the tally, further solidifying Shabana’s commanding lead.
However, it was Michira who emerged as the hero of the day, showcasing his exceptional skills and relentless drive. In the 86th minute, he found the back of the net once more, registering a brace that left fans in rapturous applause.
Despite the overwhelming score-line, Kakamega Homeboyz managed to secure a consolation goal through Henry Omollo in stoppage time. In stark contrast to Okidi’s jubilation, Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Francis Barasa expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance.
“These kinds of results are regrettable and should never be associated with us. My players were unable to deliver the level of performance expected of them. We struggled to find our rhythm, with each department appearing disjointed and ineffective,” he lamented.
He highlighted the need for introspection and improvement, and called for a more cohesive and functional team effort in future matches.
“We must confront the harsh realities of our performance. The road ahead demands rigorous self-evaluation and a commitment to improvement. The call for better execution in all departments must resonate within the squad, as we embark on a journey to reclaim our competitive edge,” Barasa said.
In other matches, Tusker played out a
barren draw against Bandari at Mbaraki as Mathare United and Murang’a Seal
settled for 1-1.
