Shabana FC Sack Coach Peter Okidi After Sharks Defeat, Appoints Interim

Shabana Football Club has parted ways with head coach Peter Okidi following a 1-2 home loss to Kariobangi Sharks in the FKF Premier League.

The defeat, which once again exposed defensive issues, prompted the club to make a change as it seeks to reinvigorate its title bid.

In a brief club statement, Shabana thanked Okidi for his contributions and acknowledged his work guiding the team in recent seasons.

The board said the decision was taken to inject fresh input into the squad as it enters the final phase of the league campaign.

Okidi’s troubles had begun earlier, notably after a 5-1 defeat to AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National Stadium two weeks prior, a result that raised serious questions about the team’s defensive organisation.

Although Shabana recorded a Mozzart Bet Cup victory over Muhoroni Youth between those losses, it was not enough to stem the growing pressure from fans and club stakeholders who were calling for a change in leadership following the recent league setback.

A Tenure of Highs and Lows

Okidi departs after a largely successful tenure in which he stabilised the club and helped transform it into genuine title contenders.

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Before the string of poor results, Shabana had gone seven league matches unbeaten, with five wins and two draws-a run that underlined the progress made under his guidance.

He joined Shabana FC as an assistant coach in late October 2024, shortly after leaving FKF Division One side Nakuru Bucks, initially working under then head coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omolo.

But Okidi soon took over the top job during the 2024/25 season following Pamzo’s exit, with Bernard Mwalala serving as his assistant.

That season, Shabana mounted a strong challenge, finishing fifth in the league with 53 points.

This term, he leaves the club third in the FKF Premier League standings after 23 matches, though trailing table leaders Gor Mahia by a considerable margin.

Club Statement and Reaction

In announcing the decision, club president Jared Nivaton invoked the words of the late former vice president George Saitoti, “There comes a time when the nation is bigger than an individual” adapted for the club’s context: “There comes a time when the club is bigger than an individual.”

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This sentiment highlighted the management’s view that a change was necessary despite Okidi’s contributions.

The development highlights the fragility of coaching positions in Kenya’s top flight, where results and fan sentiment can swiftly influence leadership decisions.

Looking Ahead

With Ongwae now in interim charge, Shabana quickly turn their focus to upcoming fixtures, including a crucial contest against Gor Mahia that could define their title aspirations.

The club remains in the hunt, and supporters will be watching closely to see if the managerial change sparks a resurgence.

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