NSL: Shabana ready to soak up pressure as title hunt heads to homestretch

National Super League topside Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth is ready to guide his side to the title this season despite a relentless challenge from second-placed Murang’a Seal with six rounds to go. 

Shabana’s narrow 1-0 scalp over struggling Kibera Black Stars on Saturday in a fully packed Gusii Stadium, in a match attended by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Kisii County Governor Simba Arati, opened a temporary five-point lead, but Murang’a Seal’s 2-0 success over Mwatate at St. Sebastian Park late on Saturday reduced the lead to two points.

Veteran Peter “Maestro” Ogechi’s strike with a minute to go before halftime, his 13th for the campaign, was enough to secure the glamour boys all points on offer. 

While assessing their display on Saturday, Okoth lauded his charges for their gallant show despite immense pressure from the mammoth crowd, urging his players to focus on getting maximum points from the remaining matches.

“We were under pressure today because my players are not used to the huge crowd, but I am glad we won. 

“If this is the number of fans that will come to watch our matches, then I will encourage my players to start getting used to it,” he enthused. 

Okoth is confident his side is ready to clinch the title and seal a return to the top flight despite competition from Murang’a Seal, who are under the tutelage of former Shabana coach Vincent Nyaberi.

“We have six matches to go, and we will strive to stay at the top for as long as it takes. 

“We understand the pressure is bound to increase, but we have what it takes to see out the remainder of the season and emerge on top.” 

Shabana occupies the first seed with 60 points from 26 outings and will be keen to extend their advantage to five points when they face bitter rivals Gusii FC on Sunday at the Gusii Stadium. 

At St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a, a goal apiece from John Kiplagat and Fabian Adikiny helped Vincent Nyaberi’s side keep their title ambitions alive. 

Murang’a is second on the log with 58 points after 27 matches. 

Elsewhere Migori Youth and Mara Sugar extended their fight for an FKF/NSL playoff spot after winning their respective matches.

Migori Youth overcame Coastal Heroes 2-0 at the Migori Stadium in Migori, while Mara Sugar defeated struggling Kisumu All Stars 2-1 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.