FKF-PL: Okidi impressed as high-flying Shabana extend fine run

Shabana tactician Peter Okidi has lauded his charges for their immense growth in mentality following a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sofapaka on Sunday at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.

Despite Sofapaka’s rearguard thwarting Shabana’s marauding attacks early in the first half, Ezekiel Omuri’s clean-up finish from close range in the 27th minute was enough to hand the glamour boys all points on offer, a feat that propelled them to fifth on the log with 27 points from 18 outings this term.

While attributing yesterday’s success to the team’s determination, Okidi is proud of his team's monumental growth under his tutelage, tipping them to rise higher on the log as the season wears on.

“First of all, let me congratulate the boys for a job well done.

“We dedicate our win to our player, James Mazembe, who lost his sister last week.

“Given our poor start to the current campaign, I feel we are growing in the right direction.

“We will strive to finish as high as possible by the end of the season.

Shabana team manager Elijah Sani says their win against Sofapaka is sweet revenge for their first leg loss at Gusii Stadium by a similar margin in late October last year, terming it as a perfect dry run for their much-anticipated clash against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

“Our intention is to do well against teams that defeated us in the first leg, and today’s success augurs well with our ambitions.

“We handled ourselves in situations where we were vulnerable, and as we approach Sunday, I know we will be ready to face Sharks (Kariobangi).”