Shabana coach Sammy Okoth has hinted that he might leave the newly-promoted team at the end of this season if he does not get assurances over how the club plans to sustain itself in the top flight.
Okoth watched his team return to the top of the table following a 3-0 thrashing of Darajani Gogo at the Police Sacco Stadium on Friday with striker Peter Ongechi scoring twice before substitute Nehemiah Ochiri added a third.
The Glamour Boys have enjoyed a remarkable season in the National Super League, posting consistent results and top the table with 67 points, three ahead of second-placed Murang’a Seal.
However, Okoth has had to work in a difficult environment with the club relying on gate collections and well-wishers to sustain the team. He seems not ready for another bumpy ride now that they will be competing in the more grueling Premier League in 2023-24.
“I came to help this team get promoted which I have done but after this, the club management will decide if next season we will be together or not,” Okoth, who joined Shabana in February 2022, said after Friday’s match.
“I cannot say I am sure of being here next season because I have done my job and I have promoted the team so the rest is up to the club.
“If I will be here next season, then it means things will have to be different. Support has to be there, like yesterday (Thursday) we saw leaders from Kisii coming together to support the team which has given the boys motivation.
“It means if they will come together again next season and support the team, then the results will be positive.”
Shabana were on Thursday hosted to a luncheon by leaders from Kisii, who rewarded the players with cash prizes for their exemplary performances, while promising to help source for a sponsor.
There were reports on Friday that the club have already found a sponsor that will boost the club’s coffers from next season, something that would perhaps make the former Kenyan international extend his stay.
Shabana, who have won 21 of their 29 matches while drawing four and losing as many, are the team with the best defence in the second tier after conceding just 11 while they are the second-best scorers with 48 goals.
