Shabana will host their home matches at Gusii Stadium, secretary general Elizaphan Kerama has announced.
Last season, the Glamour Boys played their home matches at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Moi Stadium, Kasarani, and Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos due to the unavailability of Gusii Stadium.
The facility has been undergoing renovations with the contractor having finalised works on the inner perimeter wall last week.
“We are eagerly awaiting the hosting of our home games here. I want to thank the county government for expediting the work. All the Football Kenya Federation requirements and security features have been put in place,” said Kerama.
He hopes the FKF Venues Inspection Committee will give them the green light to host their first home game — against Posta Rangers on September 28 — at the stadium. Gusii last hosted a Premier League match 18 years ago.
“All our home matches will be played here. We are ready to host any team here. This facility will be busy. I want to thank our fans for standing with us when we played our home matches in Homa Bay,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kerama said Ulinzi Stars will host their next match and not Kinoru Stadium in Meru as earlier announced.
“I appeal to our fans to turn up in large numbers and support the team. I’m confident we shall pick maximum points against the soldiers. The team is well prepared,” noted Kerama.
The three-year deal they signed with gaming firm Sportpesa has boosted the team.
“This partnership is welcome. There will be a lot of growth. We already have an under-19 team based at Nyanchwa Boys and a women's team — Shabana Queens — which will feature in the Women’s Super League,” he noted.
Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo is excited to have Shabana back at Gusii Stadium. “We have taken time to renovate the stadium. Shabana have been playing at Homa Bay. We are happy to welcome you home. All the requirements we were given have been implemented. Football is the only beautiful game that unites people,” said Obebo.
He challenged Shabana to win all their home games. “Make this facility a fortress. Don’t let down fans and sponsors,” he noted.
Kisii County acting Sports Minister Eric Ongeri said: “This facility has been done to the required standards. We welcome our fans for the game against Posta Rangers."
