Struggling Shabana reveal reason for dismal season

Shabana have said lacked of sponsorship has been the main reason behind their dismal performance in the Division One League this year.

The Kisii-based side featured in the Kenyan Premier League until 2006 when they were relegated to the National Super League and later to lowly Division One League.

Since their relegation from NSL, Shabana have been playing Zone B of Division One.

Green Commandos won that league to earn the ticket to join NSL next season. 

Speaking to Nation Sport, Shabana head coach Andrew Kanuli said that lack of finances had adversely affected the once great team that sent shivers of fear down many a spine of top clubs in the country.

“We have been going through hard times since we were relegated from NSL though Dafabet has been assisting us from September this year although they have not signed a full deal with the club,” he said.
“They have assisted us with kits and payment of players,” added the coach

According to Kanuli, the county government of Kisii had promised to support them but had not walked the talk the entire season.

“The county government had promised to help us from the beginning of the year through the ministry of sports and culture but we have not seen anything from them.”

Team chairman Paul Mayieko has meanwhile dismissed allegations that the club officials are not recognized since they were not legally elected.

He said that whoever wanted to confirm the team management’s lineup can get details from the ministry of sports and culture of the county government of Kisii.

“The team has a well formulated management with Peter Omwando as the team secretary and Stephen Kiama the team treasurer,” said.

Although Shabana is one of few the clubs in the country with a rich history they have continued to languish in near oblivion over the past few years.

The team has no bus and practically survives on handouts.