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Shabana FC cut short Tanzania preseason tour over poor conditions
05th August, 2026 11:16 AM
Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Shabana FC have cut short their pre-season tour of Tanzania just hours after arrival in the East African country on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Gusii-based outfit announced that the team was forced to make a U-turn back to Kenya after encountering conditions that failed to meet its operational and player welfare standards.
The Kisii-based club had crossed the border into Tanzania as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign, where they were slated to line up high-profile friendly matches against Tanzanian Premier League sides, including Pamba Jiji FC, Coastal Union, and regional moneybags, Azam FC.
However, upon arrival, a site assessment by the club’s technical bench and executive team revealed logistics, facility standards, and welfare arrangements deemed far below what was required for elite-level preparation.
Tore Bobe management took the swift decision to pull the plug on the tour and initiate the journey back home.
“We wish to inform our supporters and stakeholders that the team travelled to Tanzania yesterday for its scheduled pre-season programme,” the club stated in an official release.
“However, on arrival, the team encountered conditions that did not meet the standards required for the team’s preparation and overall welfare. After careful assessment and consideration, the club made the decision to withdraw from the planned pre-season activities in Tanzania and return home.”
Back in Kenya
The club confirmed that the contingent has safely re-entered the country and will immediately shift to local arrangements to keep their pre-season schedule on track.
“Our players and technical staff have arrived safely, and the team will now continue its pre-season preparations locally as we focus on the upcoming campaign. We thank our fans, partners, and well-wishers for their understanding and continued support,” the statement concluded.
The sudden decision shifts Shabana’s pre-season hub back to their domestic base at cardinal Otunga in Mosocho, where the squad is expected to pitch camp and line up local friendlies before the new top-flight season kicks off.
Part of the club’s preparation for the new season includes the arrival of new coach, Egyptian tactician Ahmed Fathi
Luis Ingavi. Sigmum Maina has also been roped by the Glamour Boys ahead of the new campaign
