Okidi confident in Mwalala to lead Shabana as he heads for U17 Afcon qualifiers

Okidi will serve as assistant coach to William Muluya of Kariobangi Sharks during the regional tournament, set to kick off on Saturday, November 15, and conclude on Tuesday, December 2 in Addis Ababa.

With Okidi on national duty, Mwalala will handle Shabana’s upcoming fixtures — starting with Saturday’s home league clash against Nairobi United at Gusii Stadium, followed by away matches against Murang’a Seal and Kenya Police FC.

“I have full trust in the technical bench led by Mwalala. He’s been with the team throughout last week, and we managed to win 1-0 against Ulinzi Stars.

“We’ve worked well together, and I’m confident they’ll continue the good run. I wish them all the best while I’m away, and hopefully, we’ll be smiling at the end of it all,” said Okidi.

Mwalala, a CAF B License holder, boasts extensive top-flight experience, having previously managed Bandari FC, Nzoia Sugar FC, and KCB FC in the FKF Premier League.

The Glamour Boys had endured a four-match winless streak, including three consecutive home defeats, before bouncing back with a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars last weekend at the Ulinzi Sports Complex — a victory that lifted them to seventh place on the FKF Premier League table with 11 points from eight matches.