A new era is taking shape at Shabana, where an ambitious rebuilding project is gathering pace as the Glamour Boys set their sights on the 2026/27 SportPesa League title and a return to continental football.
The Kisii-based club began their new era on July 3 when Egyptian tactician Ahmed Fathi Abdalla Ibrahim arrived to take charge, becoming the first foreign head coach in Shabana’s history.
Fathi, 40, has since overseen the club’s intensive pre-season preparations as Shabana embark on one of their most ambitious rebuilding projects in recent years.
The coach, who holds a CAF A licence, has been handed the responsibility of turning last season’s fifth-place finish into a springboard for a sustained challenge at the top of the table.
“We must aim for the league title,” Fathi said during his unveiling, making it clear that Shabana’s ambitions must match the passion surrounding the club.
The Glamour Boys finished fifth last season with 52 points from 34 matches, recording 14 wins, 10 draws and 10 defeats while scoring 35 goals and conceding 34.
Rather than settle for another respectable campaign, the club has responded with a sweeping overhaul of its technical bench and playing squad, with Fathi tasked with giving the team a new tactical identity.
“We want to build a tough team,” the Egyptian said, outlining his desire for a side capable of competing consistently throughout a demanding league campaign.
Fathi has promised an attacking approach based on modern football, but insists that freedom going forward must be matched by organisation and discipline.
“We want to play modern football,” he said, adding that ‘discipline is non-negotiable’ if Shabana are to achieve their ambitions.
The club has strengthened the technical department with former Kakamega Homeboyz tactician Hesbon Nyabinge as first assistant, Andrew Ongwae as second assistant and Hatagekimana Corneille as strength and conditioning coach.
The playing squad has also undergone significant changes, with management seeking to trim the previous 32-man roster into a leaner, and more competitive unit.
Goalkeepers Pavelh Ndzila and Bixente Otieno have arrived, while midfielder Sigmunn Maina Irungu has joined from Swedish side AIK Framtid FK. Dennis Wanjala, Daniel Bichiok Dang, Rashid Moyo and forward Luis Ingavi are among the other new additions.
Fathi believes the recruitment process is about creating a squad capable of competing rather than simply increasing numbers.
“We are not here just to participate,” he said, underlining the seriousness of Shabana’s project.
The club has also sanctioned several departures, including Wycliffe Omondi, who joined Nairobi United, and Assis Batshi Mambote, who moved to KCB. Defenders Dimpol Onyango and Justus Munika have also left as part of the restructuring.
Fathi says every player, whether retained or recruited, must understand the standards expected at a club whose ambitions have now been raised. “We need players who understand the responsibility,” he said, stressing that hard work will be central to Shabana’s transformation.
The team began local pre-season preparations in July and is scheduled to travel to Tanzania for an international training camp, where a series of friendly matches against top-flight clubs from the region will allow Fathi to assess his players and refine his tactical approach.
For a coach who arrived on July 3 with the task of reshaping a club steeped in tradition and supported by a passionate fan base, the challenge is considerable. But Fathi is convinced the Glamour Boys have the foundation to make a significant leap forward.
“The vision of the club is professional,” he said, explaining what attracted him to the project. His message to the supporters is equally direct, with the coach aware that success at Shabana will ultimately be measured by performances on the pitch.
“We will work hard to make the fans proud,” he said. And with continental football firmly in Shabana’s sights, Fathi believes the club must now turn its ambitious plans into tangible results. “We want to compete for trophies,” he said, setting the tone for a season in which the Glamour Boys hope their sweeping changes can finally deliver a place among Kenya’s leading clubs.
