How the ‘Lions of Gusiiland’ Shabana are greasing their quest for KPL promotion

National Super League giants Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth is confident his side can challenge for Kenyan Premier League promotion after a recent string of impressive results.

On Sunday, Shabana FC underlined their top-flight promotion ambitions with a stellar display to force leaders Fortune Sacco to a 1-1 draw at the Awendo Green Stadium.

They got off the mark via Vincent Nyabuto's screamer from outside the area in the 47th minute. Still, Fortune Sacco levelled five minutes later through Henry Kinyua's neat finish as both sides held out for a point.

While terming the result as a ‘fair outcome’ after a tightly contested affair, Shabana head coach Sammy Okoth said they would aim to extend their impressive run to stand a chance of earning promotion to the top division promotion at the end of the campaign.

Okoth is at the same time impressed by his side's ability to go toe-to-toe with elite sides in the division, and he sees that as a sign of their willingness to challenge for promotion.

"We understand it will take consistency and excellent performances to stand a chance, but we are willing to go the extra mile to achieve the promotion,” he explained, adding that, “I made changes to my team today and happy we came out with a positive result.

"Sacco (Fortune) is a good side and it's no fluke they are number one in our division. The fact that we have played a draw against them indicates that we can go toe-to-toe against them."

Elsewhere Fortune Sacco team manager Julius Kariuki is confident his side will go all the way this season, having led through the opening 17 matches.

"We are always alive to the fact that we can win, draw, or lose in any game, but our good preparations always help us stand a chance.

"We welcome any positive results, but we would have preferred a win.

"Our opponents played a good game but I believe we will win our next game," he explained.

Shabana will face former coach Vincent Nyaberi's resurgent Murang'a SEAL in their next assignment on Saturday, while Fortune Sacco will take on rookies Naivas FC.

After the weekend results, Shabana climbed up to third on 28 points from 17 games while leaders Sacco have 33 points from as many games.

-Dandora Love 3-2 Kisumu All Stars

-MCF 0-1 Vihiga United

-Mara Sugar 2-2 Gusii

-Mwatate United 2-1 SS Assad

-Shabana 1-1 Fortune Sacco