Okidi defends his team changes as Shabana’s title charge suffers dent against Kariobangi Sharks
By Luke Oluoch, March 16, 2026Shabana head coach Peter Okidi has defended the alteration he made to the team en route to the surprise loss to Shabana FC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Gusii Stadium.
Speaking after the tie, Okidi refuted assertions that the massive changes influenced the tie outcome, instead attributing it to a mental problem and individual errors.
Mental problem
“We made the rotations, as there were some players who were tired and needed a rest, while some were coming back from injuries. We played a good game until the final phase, when we conceded the two goals. I can say it was all mental,” he stated.
Okidi, however, did not hold back, shifting a finger of blame to defender Mark Okola, who was at fault in the team’s late capitulation en route to the costly slip in the league title race.
“The player should take a serious look at himself. Such a mistake is a schoolboy blunder, and it should not be occurring at such a stage in top-flight football.
“I have to take personal responsibility, but the defender also has to be answerable. He has an explanation to make; it is the second time such a mistake has happened.”
The tactician also admitted that the loss dealt a blow to their title charge as Shabana next angles to face Gor Mahia in their next assignment.
“It is shameful for us as a team and for him as a person. We were firmly in the race, but we suffered this loss ahead of another tough away clash,” he explained.
Gor Mahia next
The defeat stretched Shabana’s inconsistent streak in the month that followed a shocking 5-1 defeat to AFC Leopards a couple of weeks ago.
The Glamour Boys next face Gor Mahia in a leaders vs. third-place encounter at the Nyayo National Stadium. The two fought to a draw in the first leg meeting.