NSL Shabana coach Okoth hails fan attendance during win over Kibera Black Stars

Several fans attended the match, including opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Shabana FC head coach Sam Okoth has hailed the turn out of fans who turned up in large numbers, as his side beat Kibera Black Stars 1-0 in a National Super League match played at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii on Saturday afternoon.

Several fans attended the match, including opposition leader Raila Odinga who landed onto the pitch in a helicopter to witness an epic clash between two sides battling for promotion to Kenya’s top flight league.

“I thank God we were able to win today, but the crowd was bigger than it usually is today,’ he said, “ We did not play well but won because the unusually large number of fans affected them because they had stage fright,” he added.

“It is normal if you want to play at a higher level. I urge fans to turn out like this so that the players can be able to adapt and get used to it.”

Okoth has also hailed his players’ mentality ahead of the monumental match, and how mentally prepared they were up for the battle.

“Before the match, we were in good spirits and with a positive mindset, with our preparations on top notch as well. Towards the end of the league, it is not easy because teams and players want to prove a point. We needed to win to stay on top.”

“Fans showing up show they love their team and it motivates them, showing they are ready to perform. Our performance also motivates them and our revenue streams become bigger because we are a community club.”

Shabana remain top of the NSL on 60 points after 26 games. They have won 19, drawn three and lost just four of those games.