Shabana head coach Peter Okidi has challenged his players to rise to the occasion in their remaining Kenyan Premier League matches if they are to keep their fading title ambitions alive this season.
Okidi believes the Kisii-based side still has what it takes to compete with the league’s heavyweights, but warned that costly lapses and dropped points could prove decisive as the title race enters a demanding phase.
Referring to Shabana’s dramatic 3-3 draw with APS Bomet on Saturday, the tactician admitted his side had squandered a golden opportunity to pile pressure on league leaders Gor Mahia.
The Glamour Boys had taken the lead and appeared on course to secure all three points at Kericho Green Stadium, only to surrender their advantage and settle for a draw that felt more like a defeat.
The result left Shabana third on the log with 28 points, eight behind Gor Mahia, who continue to set the pace at the summit.
“We have to be honest with ourselves,” Okidi said. “If we want to talk about the title, then we must start playing like champions. These are the kinds of matches we must win. We cannot afford to relax or lose concentration when we are in control.”
Okidi pointed to lapses in concentration and decision-making as key reasons Shabana had failed to see out the match against APS Bomet.
While praising his attacking unit for their creativity and fighting spirit, Okidi singled out defensive errors that proved costly on the day.
One such moment came when goalkeeper Francis Ochieng committed a rare schoolboy error, gifting APS Bomet an easy goal that shifted the momentum of the contest.
Okidi, however, was quick to defend his shot-stopper, insisting mistakes are part of the game and responsibility must be shared across the team.
“Francis has been very solid for us this season,” Okidi said. “Yes, he made a mistake, but football is a team sport. We win together, and we lose together. What matters is how we respond after such moments.”
Despite the setback, Okidi remains confident that Shabana can finish the season strongly and improve on last season’s fourth-place finish.
At the beginning of the campaign, the club set its sights on breaking into the top three, a target that remains firmly within reach given their current position on the table.
“Our minimum target is to finish in the top three,” Okidi explained. “Last season we finished fourth, and that was progress. This season, we want to take another step forward. If the title comes, that will be a bonus, but we must first be consistent and disciplined in every match.”
Shabana’s resurgence this season has been built on a blend of youthful energy and experienced heads, backed by passionate support from their fans, who have followed the team in large numbers both home and away. Okidi acknowledged the supporters’ role, urging his players to repay their faith with committed performances.
“Our fans have been incredible,” he said. “They travel, they sing, they believe in this team. The least we can do is give everything on the pitch and make them proud.”
With the league entering a congested run of fixtures, Okidi emphasised the importance of squad depth and mental strength. He insisted that one or two big matches will not decide the title race, and a lot will depend on how teams handle pressure, fatigue and expectations over the remaining weeks.
“Every team is fighting for something,” he said. “Some want the title, others want to avoid relegation. There are no easy games. We must approach every match with the same hunger and focus.”
Shabana now turn their attention to their next fixture, knowing that any further slip-ups could widen the gap at the top and dent their championship hopes.
For Okidi and his players, the message is clear: the margin for error is shrinking, and only their best football will keep them in the conversation for the Kenyan Premier League crown.
by TONY MBALLA
