Shabana star reveals how club is polishing weak area identified after AFC Leopards humbling

Shabana FC forward Brian Michira has revealed that the club has intensified work on the mental and physical aspects of their game as they prepare for a crucial league encounter against Kariobangi Sharks.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The Kisii-based outfit will return to league action on Sunday, 15 March, seeking to put behind them a humiliating 5–1 drubbing by AFC Leopards, a defeat that came a fortnight ago before the league paused for Mozzart Bet Cup action.

STARS ABROAD: Kenyan duo score in England as Mandela features in South Africa

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the Harambee Stars attacker admitted the team had identified mental resilience as a key area that required urgent attention following the humiliating setback.

The loss to Leopards stands as the heaviest defeat for Shabana since their return to the top flight two seasons ago.

“We have been working on our mental aspect and physiological bit because the defeat by AFC Leopards was our worst experience and a demoralising situation which we had to entirely work on, and that has been the main focus after that setback,” Michira said.

Despite the disappointment in the league, Shabana offered a glimpse of recovery with a 5–2 victory over Muhoroni Youth in the Mozzart Bet Cup last weekend.

Harambee Stars prospect suffers injury setback at Hull City after returning from one-year layoff

However, Michira was quick to downplay the result, noting that while the win helped restore morale, the real test lies in the league.

“The big win over Muhoroni in the cup match last weekend was timely but just a tip in boosting our confidence levels as we head back into league action this coming weekend against Kariobangi Sharks,” he added.

The Shabana assistant captain further acknowledged that the upcoming clash against Sharks will be far from straightforward.

With both sides battling for crucial league points, he stressed the need for the team to remain mentally strong prepared and focused.

“We are going to face yet another tricky match against a side fighting to crawl off relegation, and that itself makes the clash a tough encounter. We really have to get our mental aspect right because this is a league match as opposed to a cup tie as we aim to effectively respond from that AFC Leopards humiliation,” he explained.

Under the guidance of head coach Peter Okidi, Shabana will be keen to return to winning ways and steady their campaign as the season progresses, with the club determined to turn lessons from recent setbacks into renewed momentum in the league.