Shabana feeling void as home struggles continue

Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has admitted that the departure of former assistant coach Bernard Mwalala has had an impact on the team, even as the Kisii-based side insists it will not be overly active in the ongoing FKF mid-season transfer window.

Speaking after Shabana’s 3–1 home defeat to Nairobi United at the Gusii Stadium, Okidi pointed to a combination of mental lapses, tactical challenges, and changes on the technical bench as key factors behind the club’s recent struggles, particularly at home.

“To be honest, we need brains on the bench, and Mwalala not being there has had an effect,” Okidi said. “The combination, the input, the consultations were top. His leaving at that time affected us, but we will try to be flexible and solve that problem with the new coach. It will get better.”

Mwalala officially left Shabana in early January to take up the head coach role at Bandari FC, a move that came during the mid-season window and amid reports of a contractual dispute, with Shabana demanding compensation before clearing him.

He had joined the Shabana technical bench in November 2024 and played a key role in the club’s rise, helping them finish fifth last season and also sit fifth at the time of his departure. Shabana has since appointed Andrew Mark Ongwae as second assistant coach to maintain continuity, with Okidi remaining at the helm.

On the pitch, Okidi felt his side played well but paid the price for poor concentration. “If you look at the game, we played well, especially at home, but we lost through individual and collective mistakes,” he said. “We conceded out of nothing. The concentration of the players was bad, and we need to work on their mental strength.”

The coach also explained his tactical adjustments, noting that Shabana struggled against Nairobi United’s wide play and low block. He revealed that pushing to use two number 10s in the second half helped stretch play, with players like Omala and Ovela responding positively, though adaptation took time.

Okidi acknowledged that Shabana’s home form has been a concern this season, especially compared to their strong away record.

“The goals we are conceding at home are very easy goals. If you want to win titles, you cannot afford to lose games at home,” he said, adding that it is an issue the team must solve collectively.

Despite the challenges, Okidi played down the prospect of major squad changes, stating that Shabana will only make “two or three” signings at most, insisting the squad has already gelled.

Shabana, now fifth in the SportPesa League standings, will look to respond when they host record champions Gor Mahia FC at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday, January 11, in a crucial test of their resilience.