Tactician Okoth seeks the spark in Shabana after bright start

Buoyed by their rich vein of form, Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth has rallied his charges to keep their focus on delivering their season’s ambitions.

Shabana moved joint top of the National Super League after defeating fifth-placed Mara Sugar 1-0 on Saturday at the Awendo Green Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal from Vincent Nyabuto.

And Okoth is confident of his team’s ability to deliver the elusive National Super League gong and with it a ticket to the top flight to their adoring fans should they keep the focus.

“We played a good game despite having few days of training, and the fact that we have come out with all points on offer makes it even more special,” he explained, “Mara is a good side but our experience and good planning helped us to carry the day.”

He is confident his side will extend their fine run when they host eighth-placed Mwatate United on Wednesday at Gusii Stadium.

“On Wednesday we will host Mwatate and I’m confident we will collect a win to consolidate our season ambitions,” he added.

The glamour boys finished sixth in the 2021/22 season and are bidding to have an improved campaign this term in Okoth’s second season in charge.

Elsewhere Kibera Black Stars overcame Mwatate United 2-0 at the Danson Mwanyumba stadium in Wundanyi to maintain their lead atop the NSL log thanks to a superior goal difference compared to second-placed Shabana.

Black Stars, who have won their last four matches on the bounce, will seek their fifth straight scalp when they host Naivas on Wednesday.

At the Mumias Sports Complex, former topflight side Vihiga United suffered a humiliating 9-1 reverse against fellow strugglers Gusii FC after they failed to constitute a full team following their failure to register enough players before season kick-off.

The cash-strapped side is keen to rope in new players as they aim to spark their season following their winless start in four outings.

Mombasa Elite and Migori Youth played to a 1-1 draw, while Kajiado FC and Murang’a Seal battled to a 2-2 draw.

Struggling Silibwet Leons picked their first point of the season after holding Mully Children’s Family to a barren draw at Bomet Stadium.