Muyoti's Nairobi United fired up for Shabana clash in their 2026 opener

Speaking ahead of the clash, Muyoti played down fears of post-break sluggishness, insisting his players have responded well in training.

“First of all, I think after the break, I know the players are a bit rusty, but we’ve had time to prepare, and we’ve seen that they are not rusty,” Muyoti said. “Coming from the break, they’re looking good, sharp, and as always, we go for three points. I believe we can get something out of the game.”

Nairobi United head into the encounter encouraged by an upturn in performances before the break. A draw followed by a morale-boosting 1-0 away victory over Tusker FC lifted confidence within the camp, while their high-profile match against Gor Mahia, abandoned at 1-1 and now awaiting an FKF decision, also left a positive impression.

“I’m happy about the output of the players in that Gor Mahia game,” Muyoti noted. “It brought back our confidence, and going into this match, the players are at another level. We expect a positive result.”

The coach, however, confirmed that injuries will again test squad depth, with utility man Suleiman Manzur Mansoor still sidelined.

 “The doctor is working on them, but they won’t be ready for Shabana,” he said. “We expect them back in the next three or four matches.”

Nairobi United currently sits 13th on the Kenyan Premier League table with 16 points from 10 matches, having recorded five wins, one draw, and four losses. Crucially, they have played five fewer games than several rivals, a factor that gives them room to climb the standings if results align.

Muyoti acknowledged the physical demands ahead, especially with travel and fixture congestion looming.

“Fatigue has been a challenge before,” he admitted. “As we head into the second leg, we’re improving the quality and depth of the squad to manage recovery and fitness between matches.”

January promises little respite. After the Shabana test, Nairobi United will host league leaders AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on January 7, before facing a demanding run that includes Ulinzi Stars, KCB FC, Kenya Police, and APS Bomet. On the continental stage, they will also travel to face Azam FC in the CAF Confederation Cup on January 25.