Financial constraints deepening for Shabana FC

Players from National Super League (NSL) outfit, Shabana FC, are facing numerous financial challenges fending for themselves with the cash-strapped club only able to pay each a paltry Ksh 150 daily in wages.

The club was reinstated to the second-tier league in April after winning a relegation battle against Football Kenya Federation (FKF) who at the time claimed did not have the financial to honor their league matches, but it has now emerged that the players’ living conditions have since been deteriorating as the club struggles to fund its travel and accommodation costs.

“It’s a very difficult situation. Yesterday, the players trained well but even as we expected the little cash they’re given, they got nothing. It means we can’t hold another successful training session considering the players do not have bus fare from Mosocho, where they reside to the training ground in town,” a frustrated Shabana FC Team Manager, Andrew Kanuli, told Citizen Digital.

Kanuli added that the Kisii County Government has always been their last resort every time they are unable to meet most of their costs.

“We have 14 matches left to go before we call it a season. The players have shown exceptional commitment despite these challenges and they deserve better. The top management cannot be blamed as they are always making efforts to secure the club a sponsorship deal. As well, they have been forced on a number of occasions to dip into their own pockets to finance our needs,” Kanuli added.

His sentiments were, however, contrary to those of Shabana Team Captain, Ken Omnini, as he unreservedly blasted the club for failing to honor its promises to the playing unit.

“I have not been paid for the last 18 months and it could be worse for my teammates yet they have families that depend on them.

“At the moment it’s so difficult because if we can depend on this team we can’t make it in life. We are only trying to keep fit and as soon as the season comes to an end  everybody will want to look for a better club to play and it’s a must that if an opportunity arises  we will just go.

“When I signed for Shabana I was being paid Ksh 40,000 which was good money but now things are not good anymore. Now the club owes me 18 months’ salary and there is no hope that I will get the money,” Ken Omnini lamented.

Omnini added that he has no plan of suing the office over his unpaid dues, claiming that at least half the team was equally not that half the team  not contemplating on the same.

The struggling former top flight club have picked only 9 points from their 24 NSL matches this season and are languishing at the bottom of the league with their dreadful form suggesting relegation is, for them, inevitable.