Peter Okidi opens doors on Shabana’s return despite shocking exit
Sacked Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has opened up on the possibilities of immediate return to the Gusii-based club, days after he parted ways with the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side.
Shown the door
Earlier, Shabana confirmed that the decision to part ways with Okidi was reached amicably following constructive discussions between both parties.
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The club emphasised that the separation was grounded in mutual respect, shortly after guiding the Glamour Boys to a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kariobangi Sharks at their Gusii Stadium fortress.
Speaking for the first time since the club announced his sacking on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Okidi has revealed that he is open to Shabana’s return, but with different terms.
”Of course, I cannot rule out the possibility of returning, but I will be going back with different, new terms. I am still in football, and naturally, in this field, we constantly move.
“However, when talks are on the table, I am ready to make a return because I am still in touch with players and the management, but my return will be on fresh terms because the club has given me a platform to grow,” Okidi said shortly after being crowned the February Coach of the Month on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Okidi’s sacking has seen Gor Mahia Vice Chairperson Sally Bollo raise eyebrows in Kenyan football circles after expressing surprise over his departure from Shabana FC despite his recent success with the Gusii-based outfit.
Shortly after Okidi was named the Football Kenya Federation Premier League February Coach of the Month, Bolo highlighted the irony surrounding Okidi’s exit after guiding Shabana to an impressive run of four victories in February. During that period, the club maintained its third place on the Kenyan Premier League standings.
Okidi’s sacking irony
“Imagine this… Peter Okidi, the coach who guided Shabana to four wins in February and had them comfortably 3rd on the KPL log, is now named Coach of the Month… yet the club decided to part ways with him!” Bollo remarked, capturing the disbelief shared by many fans and observers.
While careful not to directly interfere with another club’s internal affairs, the Gor Mahia official made her stance clear on the importance of stability and backing technical benches. She emphasised that had Okidi been in charge at Gor Mahia, he would have enjoyed unwavering support.
“As a Gor Mahia official, it’s not really my place to comment on another club’s decisions, but if Okidi were my coach, he would have my full 130% support; no questions asked,” she added.
Bolo further underscored the fundamental principles that guide football management decisions, stressing that performance on the pitch should always take precedence.
“In football, it’s simple: results matter, stats don’t lie, and victories speak for themselves,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Okidi’s exit has since sparked debate across the Kenyan football landscape, with many questioning the rationale behind Shabana’s decision to part ways with a coach who appeared to be delivering results.
As the season progresses, attention will now turn to how Shabana navigates the remainder of the campaign without the man who had seemingly steadied their course.
