‘We’ve lost a leader’: Shabana mourn player Obutu who died after surgery

Shabana FC team manager Elijah Sani has described the late Evans Obutu as one of the most important elements that held the club together when its fortunes were dwindling.

Obutu died shortly after going under the knife at Nyangena hospital yesterday evening.

He played a pivotal role in the team’s promotion to the NSL in 2017 and has been a constant feature for the club in the last two seasons.

Sani has described his contribution to the team’s success as invaluable since he could play in many positions.

“He was one of the most senior players we had in the team and he could play in many positions both in defense and the midfield.

Obutu initially had left the Gusii stadium based side for Posta Rangers before he returned in 2017 to help the club gain promotion into the National Super League.

He sustained a serious stomach injury on Thursday when he collided with his goalkeeper in training and was quickly rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital and later discharged after being subjected to scans.

However, yesterday evening he started complaining of pain and was rushed to Nyangena hospital and later underwent surgery.

Yesterday evening he succumbed to complications as exclusively reported by Citizen Digital.

Sani says the team has lost a leader whose character and presence the club could turn to during difficult matches.

“He was one of the team leaders and always helped young players to develop.

“We could rely on his experience to sustain good performances and his demise is a huge blow to the team’s ambitions,” he added.

He has called upon all sports stakeholders to stand with the club and his family as maneuver through the tough situation.