Shabana Coach Okidi: Leopards fixture a must-win

Shabana FC coach Peter Okidi has termed their upcoming Wednesday Kenyan Premier League match against AFC Leopards as “a must-win”.

The Gusii-based side were on the losing end at the weekend falling 0-1 to KCB FC in a match staged at the Gusii Stadium.

The defeat has left the team under pressure after suffering their second home defeat this term.  The defeat has disrupted their early‑season momentum and sits at odds with the team’s pre‑season target – to challenge for the KPL trophy.

And ahead of the Wednesday showdown with the big cats Leopards, Okidi has thrown down the gauntlet.

“Sometimes football is not fair,” the tactician said, “This is a winning game for us. We have to win — absolutely.”

In his assessment, Okidi pointed to key absences that have impacted his squad’s rhythm, naming injured players such as Brian [Michira[, Imbali[Gilbert]  and George[ Onyango Adizo]. He assured fans that rehabilitation is progressing and pledged to reintegrate the trio as soon as possible. “Now we go back, we collect ourselves so that when they’re fit we can collect points,” the coach added.

Currently fourth in the FKF Premier League with 7 points, Shabana trail league leaders Kakamega Homeboyz and Posta Rangers, both on 10 points as well as Gor Mahia on 9 points. With the league evenly poised and momentum critical, Okidi sees Wednesday’s fixture as a pivotal turning point.