ICT CS Eliud Owalo urges Shabana to rise from ashes as they gear up to face AFC Leopards

© Shabana FC

FOOTBALL ICT CS Eliud Owalo urges Shabana to rise from ashes as they gear up to face AFC Leopards

Festus Chuma 12:40 - 30.09.2023

CS Eliud Owalo empowers Shabana FC, urging triumph and injecting hope, while pledging support for a renaissance in Kenyan football.

Cabinet Secretary of Information and Communication Eliud Owalo has issued a resounding challenge to Shabana FC  rallying them to secure their maiden victory of the season as they prepare to take on AFC Leopards.

Owalo's call to action came during a generous donation of Ksh 500,000 to the club, accompanied by an inspirational luncheon held at the prestigious Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and a room filled with football enthusiasts, Owalo urged the Shabana players to cast aside their sluggish start to the season and embark on a journey toward excellence in the league. His words echoed a vision of triumph.

"We don't just want you to participate in the league; we want you to secure your rightful place at the top. In the worst-case scenario, by the end of the league, we expect you to be among the top three,” he said.

Owalo went on to emphasize the pivotal role community clubs like Shabana play in shaping the future of Kenyan football, reminiscing about the glory days of Kenyan soccer in the 1980s when the nation stood as a soccer powerhouse in the region. 

"The future of Kenyan football rests in the community club. We must support teams like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Shabana, to name a few with historical significance. If these three teams perform well, we can revive Kenyan football to its former glory," he passionately declared.

Owalo, alongside a group of prominent Abagusii professionals and Shabana legends, presented the team with brand new tracksuits, symbolizing unity and progress. 

The distinguished group in attendance included Senior Counsel Mohammed Nyaoga, former chair of CBK Board of Directors, and Chair of Harambee Stars Management Board; CECAFA SG, Gecheo Akuka; Director of Bomas of Kenya, Purity Moraa; Commodities Fund Kenya Chair, Duke Maingi, Mr. Nyangweso, Coach Sammy Okorh, and Mr. Omanga, among others.

The star-studded gathering also featured legendary former Harambee Stars players such as Henry Motego, Richard Otambo, Charles Ombongi, Yobes Mose, Sammy Ondabu, and John Onasi, adding a touch of nostalgia and inspiration to the event.

Notably, Senior Counsel Mohammed Nyaoga made a substantial pledge of Ksh 500,000 to the club, with an additional Ksh 50,000 donated by another professional being channeled to the team's management. 

Shabana, having returned to the topflight league after a 17-year absence, has been grappling to find their footing and has accumulated just two points thus far. 

The impending clash with AFC Leopards presents a formidable challenge, but with the renewed backing and encouragement from Eliud Owalo and the generous pledges of support, Shabana is poised to face the challenge head-on.

The highly anticipated match between Shabana and AFC Leopards is scheduled to take place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata Barracks, Nairobi.