Loss against Murang'a Seal a wake up call, says Shabana's Okoth

Shabana head coach Sammy Okoth says Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Murang’a Seal is a wake-up call for his players.

“The loss was an eye-opener to the players. They should know that they are now playing in the Kenyan Premier League and not National Super League,” said Okoth.

“The honeymoon is over. The celebrations are over. We are now in the top league and the players should up their game. The KPL is tough and we must get it right early in the season.”

Speaking to the Star on Monday morning, Okoth rued missed chances during the game played at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

“My strikers were not clinical in front of goal because they spurned several scoring chances. Murang’a got their chance after our mistake and they punished us at the death,” noted the tactician as he called for patience from the fans.

“I was impressed by the huge turnout on Sunday. I’m sorry we disappointed them but they should also understand that, in this game, there is winning and losing."

Okoth defended the decision to field only one new signing in the game against Seal. Centre-back Rodgers Aloro is the only new signing who started the game while striker Johana Mwita came off the bench in the second half.

“I will integrate the new signings into the team slowly. I don’t want to dismantle the team that helped us qualify for the Premier League. They will have to learn our style and philosophy,” he noted.

Other new signings, youngster Ezekiel Omuri and George Orako were unused substitutes.

Shabana returns to action on Friday against Talanta at Nyayo Stadium. “We will be looking to bounce back. We have learnt from our mistakes against Murang’a Seal,” added Okoth.

His Murang’a Seal counterpart Gabriel Kingi said he will only set his targets after five matches.

“It’s too early to set targets. I will set my objectives after four games from today. However, maintaining KPL status is one of my targets,” said Kingi.

He praised goal scorer and man-of-the-match Batts Awita.

“Picking three points away from home is not easy. I’m proud of the boys, especially new signing Awita. He is among the seven new players we signed and I’m happy he scored on his debut,” noted the veteran coach.

Murang’a Seal will welcome Kakamega Homeboyz at St Sebastian Park on Saturday.  

“Our prayer is that we continue with our winning ways,” concluded Kingi.