Gusii Stadium erupts as stylish Shabana win NSL title
Shabana players celebrate with the National Super League trophy after beating Kisumu AllStars 2-0 in the final match of the season at Gusii Stadium.
What you need to know:
- Shabana, who had already earned promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League over a fortnight ago, needed a win of any kind to be assured of the title.
The Gusii Stadium was on Saturday turned into a party zone as Shabana overcame Kisumu All Stars 2-0 to win the National Super League title.
Shabana, who had already earned promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League over a fortnight ago, needed a win of any kind to be assured of the title.
Shabana fans invade the pitch following the National Super League match between Shabana and Kisumu AllStars at Gusii Stadium on July 8, 2023.
The win means that Shabana end the season on 73 points, while Murang'a Seal finished second after a 2-2 draw against Gusii United which was delayed for almost two hours due to lack of a defibrillator at Awendo Green Stadium.
Shabana dedicated the title to their passionate fans who have been a major feature in their games this season.
You could say the entire Kisii town came to watch them at Gusii Stadium where they needed to beat Kisumu All Stars to guarantee them the title.
With Gusii stadium bursting at the seams with enthusiastic, expectant fans, the home side was never going to throw away this opportunity to bag the NSL crown. They duly delivered with a clinical 2-0 victory to top the table.
At Awendo, the match was delayed for two hours over the match ambulance equipment shortage.
The match officials in the clash between Murang'a Seal and Gusii FC talk as they wait for Gusii to avail a fully equipped ambulance.
By then Kisii town was in ecstasy.
This is the first league title Shabana was winning since their formation in 1980.
Shabana coach Sammy Okoth said their victory hugely depended on the fans and well-wishers who supported them throughout the season. He said he had accomplished his mission of winning the NSL.
Pomp and colour marked Saturday’s match.
Shabana fans donning their traditional red and white colours, filled the match venue to capacity.
Ecstatic Shabana fans ahead of of the National Super League match between Shabana and Kisumu All Stars at Gusii Stadium, Kisii on July 8, 2023.
Gates were opened at 9am and by noon the stadium was filled to the brim.
Outside, chaos reigned as fans tried to force their way in forcing police to lob tear-gas to disperse the unruly mob.
But all’s well that end’s well as celebrations greeted the final whistle.
Shabana’s assistant captain Peter Ogechi and long-serving member having joined the team in 2012 will go down as one of the key figures involved in their promotion.
Ogechi is also remembered for playing in crucial role in Shabana’s promotion from Division One to the NSL in 2018.
“I dedicate our promotion and title to the late chairman Yabesh Nyandoro Kambi. I wish he was alive to see the work he invested in yield fruits" said Ogechi after the victory.
Also to write history was the team's assistant coach Kevin Momanyi who joined Shabana in 2010 as a player.
Momanyi was later elevated to the member of the technical bench as a team manager before he was appointed assistant coach.
Before the big crowd estimated at 20,000, Shabana started on high note missing three scoring chances within the first 30 minutes.
Kisumu All Stars must thank their goalkeeper Boaz Opiyo for keeping the scoreline respectable. He saved shots from Ogechi, Vincent Nyabuto and man of the match Nehemiah Onchiri.
In fact it's Onchiri who made all the difference scoring both Shabana’s goals in the second half.
