Shabana kick off 2026/27 rebuild days after club unveiled foreign coach
By Luke Oluoch, July 4, 2026Shabana FC’s massive squad-rebuilding program has kicked off in earnest with the unveiling of their first signing for the upcoming season, coming just a day after the club named its new head coach.
The club’s secretary general, Elizaphan Kerama, had on Thursday, June 11, 2026, revealed management’s intention to execute an expansive overhaul.
The strategy involves releasing up to 15 players and bringing in 10 new signings to build a more competitive squad, a restructuring process that has now officially commenced.
Former Kenya U20 ace Maina joins
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Glamour Boys confirmed the signing of Silas Maina, a former Kenya U20 youth international, as their first official acquisition ahead of the new campaign. Maina has risen through the Kenyan national youth ranks, featuring for both the U20 and U23 setups before moving abroad for a brief stint.
Maina’s arrival comes barely 24 hours after the club officially unveiled Egyptian tactician Ahmed Fathi on Friday, July 3, 2026. Fathi takes over the permanent reins from interim boss Osborne Monday, who handled the first team during the closing stages of the previous campaign.
New Era
The highly regarded CAF A license holder joins the Gusii-based club boasting extensive coaching experience in his native Egypt and across the continent, including stints in Ghana.
He will be supported by a backroom staff featuring Hesbon Nyabinge as the first assistant coach, who arrives after a stint with Green Commandoes, alongside former player with Gor Mahia, custodian David Juma, and Marc Ongwea, both of whom have been retained by the club.
In his opening remarks, Fathi laid down his plans, challenging the squad to brace for high-level competition both domestically and on the continental stage.
“I feel I am in the right place, and I promise to give my absolute best. We have to work hard; it is a big challenge, and we must compete for the league title as well as CAF qualification spots. Everything will come down to our pre-season preparations, and we must be ready to deliver,” Fathi stated.
Shabana’s FKF PL run
Shabana FC wrapped up the 2025/2026 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season in 5th place, securing 52 points from 34 matches. A roaring start to the campaign initially saw them rub shoulders among the top three sides, chasing eventual champions Gor Mahia and rivals AFC Leopards.
The Glamour Boys concluded the season with 14 wins, 10 draws, and 10 defeats, finishing just behind Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, and Nairobi United.
However, the unexpected departure of coach Peter Okidi midway through the second half of the season disrupted the team’s on-pitch rhythm, triggering a slight dip in form that ultimately cost them a podium finish.
To pave the way for Fathi’s new-look squad, first-team departures Wycliffe Omondi, goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng, Keith Imbali, and Brian Olega are among those either officially confirmed to have exited or heading out of the club.