Joseph Okumu's advise to Shabana players after surprise visit
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 10.06.25. | 19:36
Head coach Peter Okidi, Bernard Mwalala, and the technical bench were going through their paces when the seasoned international made his entrance, much to the delight of players and staff
Shabana FC received a surprise guest during their training session on Monday, 9 June, at the Cardinal Otunga High School Grounds in Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu.
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The French-based defender, currently on a short holiday after a gruelling 2024/25 Ligue 1 season with Stade de Reims, made a stopover to encourage the squad ahead of their title decider FKF Premier League clash against Kenya Police.
Head coach Peter Okidi, Bernard Mwalala, and the technical bench were going through their paces when the seasoned international made his entrance, much to the delight of players and staff.
Okumu endured a difficult season in France, where Reims finished 16th, forcing them into a Promotion/Relegation Playoff.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Metz on Thursday, 29 May, the return leg ended in heartbreak with a 3-1 extra-time defeat, sealing a 4-1 aggregate loss and relegation to Ligue 2.
Despite Reims’ struggles, Okumu remained a consistent performer, racking up 28 appearances and scoring once in his second season with the club since joining in 2023.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Shabana team manager Elijah Sani termed Okumu’s visit as timely and uplifting.
“Having him around feels good. He’s such a respected figure in Kenyan football,” said Sani.
“He plays at the highest level, and everyone here looks up to him. It was the perfect opportunity for him to motivate the boys and share a few words of wisdom.”
The former Chemelil Sugar FC defender reportedly shared insights into the demands of professional football, inspiring the squad with lessons from his journey.
“His message was clear: discipline, consistency, and hunger. The boys took it all in,” added Sani.
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“This kind of motivation is exactly what we needed going into such a big match.”
The Glamour Boys are gearing up to play party poopers in the title race when they face league leaders Kenya Police FC in the penultimate round of the FKF Premier League on Sunday, 15 June.
Police, currently on 61 points, require just a draw from their final two fixtures to clinch a historic maiden title.
Their last two opponents are Shabana and defending champions Gor Mahia, who sit second with 55 points.
Victory for Shabana could delay Police’s title celebrations and potentially set up a dramatic final-day showdown between the top two; should K'Ogalo, win their second-last match against Ulinzi Stars.
Though Shabana has little to gain in terms of silverware, they are approaching the clash with serious intent.
Now sitting fifth with 52 points, Tore Bobe have come a long way from last season’s relegation battle and are eager to make a strong statement against the title favourites.
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