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Shabana take on Mara Sugar in their 3rd league match of the season in what has been dubbed ‘The NSL derby’ given the history of the two in Kenya’s second tier league.
Shabana FC head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has lauded Saturday’s opponents Mara Sugar as formidable opponents when they clash at the Awendo stadium in the FKF Premier League (FKF PL).
The two sides have a history dating back to their time in the National Super League (NSL) before the Gusii side were promoted following the 2022/23 season only for the Millers to join them a year later.
The Millers who have had a terrific start to life in top flight football with 2 wins, a draw and a loss in 4 matches played face a familiar foe in Shabana.
The ‘Tore Bobe’ tactician has hailed the match as a ‘derby’ in itself given the history of the former NSL sides.
“It is a serious game and some are even calling it a derby. There is always tension and pressure when Shabana and Mara meet and it always closely contested game so expect the same,” he told Pulse Sports.
“Mara have started very well if you look at their results at home, it will be very difficult for us to come out with a point so we have to be on our best performance.”
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21:00 - 18.10.2024
Aldrine Kibet-inspired Rising Stars thrash Burundi to seal historic AFCON U-20 spot
Kibet assisted the second and scored the third to give Kenya a 4-0 win against Burundi to seal historic qualification to the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations
The Shabana tactician however expressed disappointment at the off-the pitch scandals that have plagued his side as he noted it has hindered their momentum.
“We have not started the season very well because of all these stoppages. We were supposed to play Police but they were committed with international games but other teams were playing. Then we have had 2 international breaks that has affected the rhythm. Most of the teams have played four games but we have only played two games. The issue with that is that at some point you are going to have backlog meaning you will start having fixture congestion,” expressed Omollo.
The Gusii side have had woes off the pitch, being handed a five-match ban by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on September 25 that was later appealed to allow fans in the stadium for their match against Posta Rangers on September 28 only for the fixture to be called off over security concerns.
“This fighting in the stadium has to stop because we have to have fans in the stadium. There has to be order because the game is what it is because of the fans. Like we are going way but our fans can’t be there for a very important game,” added Omollo.
The ‘Tore Bobe’ could miss the services of talismanic striker Mathew Tegisi who is out with an injury as confirmed by the tactician.
Tegisi’s injury is a big blow to the side as he has been their main goal scoring threat with 3 goals in 2 matches.
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10:30 - 19.10.2024
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Omollo is however drawing inspiration from their two-fixture played away without suffering a loss.
“We have played two games away and we are yet to lose so we just have to get a good result against Mara.”
FKF PL SATURDAY FIXTURES
Nairobi City Stars vs Sofapaka 13:00
Bandari vs Muranga 14:00
KCB vs Kakamega Homeboyz15:00
Mara Sugar vs Shabana 15:00
Posta Rangers vs Gor Mahia 16:00
SUNDAY FIXTURE
Tusker vs Talanta FC 13:00
Kariobangi Sharks vs Leopards 16:00
Ulinzi Stars vs Police FC 16:00
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