Odongo returns to Shabana after father’s death just in time for Bandari clash
Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Shabana FC has welcomed back lethal forward Austine (Lastborn) Odongo to their fold as the player returns to the team’s training after losing his father, Cyril Nyongesa.
Taking to their social media pages on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Glamour Boys confirmed the return of Odongo, who has been instrumental in their 2025/26 FKF Premier League campaign. Odongo is expected to feature for Peter Okidi’s charges as they host the in-form Bandari FC at Gusii Stadium in a league match on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
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The fixture will also see Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala face his former employers in Kisii as he seeks to maintain his fine run in the league since ditching Shabana for the Dockers earlier in the month.
Odongo back!
”A very warm welcome back into the family, lastborn. Take heart, and we are with you always,” Shabana FC statement said in brief.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Gusii-based outfit expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Mzee Cyril Nyongesa, describing it as a painful moment not only for the Odongo family but also for the entire Glamour Boys fraternity.
The club affirmed its solidarity with Austine Odongo and his family as they navigate through this difficult period.
“With profound sadness we inform our fans of the demise of Cyril Nyongesa, the father to our key striker Austine Odongo. As the family mourns the late Mzee Cyril Nyongesa, we as a club stand with Austine and the family during this trying moment,” read part of the statement.
League standings
Austine Odongo has been playing a pivotal role in the squad of head coach Peter Okidi in recent days, helping the club stay in contention for the FKF Premier League and maintaining their status as one of the formidable community clubs in Kenyan football.
Ahead of the Bandari meeting, Shabana FC are placed 3rd on the log with 28 points in 18 outings, trailing Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who are placed first and second consecutively in the league standings. On the other hand, Bandari FC are placed 7th on the table with 27 points in 18 matches.
