FKF-PL: KCB add to Shabana’s relegation woes

On the flip side, the Banker’s win increased Tore Bore’s relegation fears as life in the topflight football continued to be unbearable for the newcomers, while KCB finally arrested their two-month poor run that saw the team drop away from the league’s chasing pack.

Police had to lob tear gas to disperse aggrieved Shabana fans after the final whistle as the charged supporters demanded answers for the club’s dismal performance.

The fans had earlier threatened to boycott the fixture after accusing their opponents of hiking the ticket prices, with the VIP pass going for Ksh 1000, while supporters who followed the action from the terraces had to part ways with Ksh 500.

The loss left Tore Bore deep into the relegation zone, just two points above bottom placed Nzoia Sugar who host Talanta on Sunday at Sudi Stadium.

KCB’s onslaught against Shabana was led by striker Derrick Otanga who put them ahead in the 13th minute Philomen Nyakwaka made it two in the 46th minute. Otanga scored his second goal at the hour mark through a well taken freekick.

Brian Mangare’s 64th minute strike and KCB’s Farouk Shikalo own goal gave Shabana a consolation.

KCB head coach Bernard Mwalala said he felt relieved following the win, adding that they hope to maintain the momentum.

“It has been almost 100 days since we picked our last win and this was a sigh of relief for us. We have been working on our striking force and I think that department is sorted now but again we’ve conceded two goals, and so we will also work on our defence.

“Our top four finish target is not far-fetched and I believe we are on course to achieve that,” said Mwalala.

Mwalala’s opposite number Sammy Omollo said he was not perturbed and his charges would survive the axe even as he called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to reign in on clubs that are hiking gate charges without clear arrangement.

“I’m hopeful we will turn around our season. I thank our fans who have been patient with us during this difficult period and they continue to attend our fixtures regardless of our performance.

“I was not amused by KCB’s move to hike gate charges taking advantage of our huge fan base. KCB is corporate and I don’t know why they took that decision which really demoralised our attending fans. I urge FKF to look at this issue and have some order to avoid these exorbitant gate fees being imposed on our supporters,” said Omollo.

 Shabana next host Posta Rangers on April 6 after the FIFA international break at Raila Odinga Stadium while KCB play Bidco United in a six-pointer encounter on April 7.