Shabana keen to turn a new chapter after a disappointing season

Fresh from a disappointing season, National Super League giants have set their eyes on staging an improved show next season as they aim at making a return to the Kenya Premier League

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Shabana head coach Vincent Nyaberi said the team’s sub-par performances were as a result of the financial struggles that characterized the sports landscape in the country.

“The boys tried despite the tough challenges we faced,”he said. “The club could not find a sponsor meaning we had to device other ways of paying all staff members.

“Technically it is difficult for players to be focused while they are unsure of being paid at the end of the month,” he said.

He says the team will reinforce across all departments ahead of the new season to stand a better chance of realizing their promotion ambitions.

“Our aim at the moment is to keep the better part of our squad because we are convinced they can help us gain promotion.”

“At the same time we want to recruit across all departments to have enough depth to see us through the season,” he reckoned

He adds that the team’s administration should be more aggressive in finding a long-term sponsor as a way of bringing stability to the team’s operations.

“The fact that the bigger clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards secured sponsorship a few days ago is an indication that things will be good in the future.

“I urge the administration to evaluate all options available so that the team can find a reliable sponsor. I’m sure financial stability will play a huge part in pushing the team to realize promotion,” he added.

The team boasts arguably the biggest fan base in the NSL and is desperately eyeing a return to the top tier league after a five-year hiatus.

The Gusii based side were ranked 11th before the 2019/20 NSL season ended prematurely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.