Not even a new coach can save Shabana, Ambani cautions

With pomp and color, Shabana FC stormed the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) after gaining promotion as the winner of the National Super League (NSL).

But that has been the short and long of the story.

Their stay on the table of men has been untenable as the big and experienced boys of the league have not been welcoming.

Ten fixtures down the line Tore Bore have only picked a single win, a whopping five losses, and four disappointing draws.

Conversely, fellow newbies Murang'a Seal FC has been nothing but bullish - rubbing shoulders with the veterans while churning out impressive results.

So where did Shabana, with all their huge promise and potential get it all wrong?

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According to former Harambee Stars striker Boniface Ambani, the Kisii-based side failed one major test, signing quality players.

"You only need to have been in the system of football to understand the dynamics of football," the former Ingwe man offered.

Stressing that "the level of competition and quality of players changes as you move up the league tiers.

"That's why you need to acquire a certain quality of players, not just quantity as you progress."

For Shabana, however, Ambani holds that they failed to strengthen their squad with top-tier quality players, and that has been their bane.

"Shabana rose to the FKFPL, but with the same crop of players they had in the NSL."

"FKFPL is a very different ball game altogether and that's why the Kisii-based outfit has been struggling to string results," he said.

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With funds, however, he believes Shabana can turn their fortunes around by acquiring the desired caliber of players, without which, not even changes in the technical bench will save them.

"If Shabana can ship in around five experienced FKFPL players, you'll definitely see the changes, but as of now even with a new coach in, he will still experience what the former gaffer did."

"Life at the top is never easy. Winning needs quality players. If Tore Bobe will be able to fix that as early as possible, compounded with their twelve player (fans), then they'll be able to push for something, in the second leg."

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