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Although Shabana hosted NSL matches at the stadium before it was shut down again in 2023, they have not hosted a home top flight game there in 18 years.
Shabana FC will once again call Gusii Stadium home for the first time since earning promotion back to the top flight of Kenyan football, as announced by the club's Secretary General, Elizaphan Kerama
After playing last season’s home matches at various venues, including Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay and Moi Stadium, Kasarani, the Glamour Boys are now set to host their games in Kisii.
The stadium, which has been undergoing extensive renovations, is ready to meet the requirements set by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Kerama expressed his gratitude to the Kisii County government for expediting the works, which included finalising the inner perimeter wall last week.
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"We are eagerly awaiting the hosting of our home games here. I want to thank the county government for expediting the work. All the Football Kenya Federation requirements and security features have been put in place," Kerama told the media on Wednesday.
The club is now hopeful that the FKF Venues Inspection Committee will approve the stadium in time for their first home game of the season against Posta Rangers on 28th September. This will mark the first Premier League match at Gusii Stadium in 18 years.
"All our home matches will be played here. We are ready to host any team. This facility will be busy. I want to thank our fans for standing with us when we played our home matches in Homa Bay," Kerama added.
Kerama called on fans to turn up in large numbers for the Posta Rangers match, expressing confidence that Shabana FC would secure a victory. "I appeal to our fans to turn up in large numbers and support the team. I’m confident we shall pick maximum points against the soldiers. The team is well prepared," he said.
The team’s recent partnership with gaming giant Sportpesa has provided a significant boost. Kerama highlighted the growth prospects for the club, which now has an under-19 team based at Nyanchwa Boys and a women's team — Shabana Queens — that will compete in the Women’s Super League.
Kisii Deputy Governor, Elijah Obebo, shared his excitement about Shabana’s return to Gusii Stadium.
“We have taken time to renovate the stadium. Shabana have been playing at Homa Bay. We are happy to welcome you home. All the requirements we were given have been implemented. Football is the only beautiful game that unites people,” Obebo remarked.
Obebo also encouraged Shabana to make their home ground a fortress and not to disappoint their fans and sponsors. “Make this facility a fortress. Don’t let down fans and sponsors,” he noted.
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15:00 - 23.08.2024
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Kisii County’s acting Sports Minister, Eric Ongeri, confirmed that the stadium now meets all required standards and welcomed fans to the much-anticipated game against Posta Rangers.
With the club returning to its historic home ground, there is renewed hope and excitement among both players and fans as they look to build on this new chapter for Shabana FC.
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