FKF-PL: Shabana win at last, Leopards rescue point

Shabana interim coach Peter Okidi wants his players to build on their first win of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) season to revive their campaign.

He said Sunday's 1-0 win over Kenya Police at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County was the club's turning point after a poor start to the season. 

“We had set our sights on getting our first victory of the season when we played Nairobi City Stars here last weekend, but unfortunately that did not happen. We have however managed to do this today and going forward we promise them better results,” Okidi, who was roped in from Division One side Nakuru Bucks to take over from Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, said.

He dedicated their victory to Shabana fans whom he said deserved better results, noting that the team should even be challenging for the league title.

Okidi lauded the club’s decision to bring in former KCB coach Bernard Mwalala and ex-Tusker player Osborne Monday to serve as members of his technical bench.

Following the win, Shabana moved to position 16 in the table as Kenya Police sit 15th with the same number of points, but with a superior goal difference.

Kenya Police Technical Director Ishmael Balanga prevented coach Anthony Kimani from being interviewed on the disappointing result.

“You will not interview my coach because this is not the right time. He has not settled and he cannot talk to you,” the Congolese said as he whisked Kimani away into a waiting vehicle.

In Nairobi, AFC Leopards rallied to secure a 1-1 draw against newbies Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium, while Bandari suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Bidco United just four days after beating defending champions Gor Mahia at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County.

Kakamega Homeboyz secured an impressive 2-0 win over hosts Murangá Seal at Sportpesa Arena in Murangá County.

In Dandora, Meshack Karani scored from close range in the 43rd minute for Mara Sugar, but Sydney Lokale saved Leopards’ blushes with a last-minute goal after receiving a clinical pass from captain Clifton Miheso.

The result piles more pressure on Leopards coach Tomas Trucha, who has been on the receiving end from Leopards fans, who feel the team is not on the right trajectory due to unconvincing results.

Mara Sugar are second on the log with 14 points from eight matches, while Leopards are fifth on 11 points from the same number of matches.

In Kwale, Bandari failed to impress their home fans who returned home disappointed. The visitors got both their goals in the first half through Marvin Amuka and Clinton Asiago.

Sunday's results

AFC Leopards 1 Mara Sugar 1

Shabana 1 Kenya Police 0

Murangá Seal 0 Kakamega 2

Bandari 0 Bidco United 2