Shabana FC
Shabana were named after a hardware shop, finished third in Kenya’s top flight within three seasons of arriving and played in Africa’s champions’ cup in 1988. Then came 17 years away from the top division and a long climb back from the third tier. Since returning in 2023 they have finished fifth twice in a row.
From a Kisii Hardware Store to Africa
The club grew out of a youth side called Olympic, sponsored by Kisii businessman Dogo Khan. It took its name from his business, Shabana Hardware and General Stores, and was formed as Shabana in 1980. Their first season in the top flight, 1985, ended in tenth place out of 18. They were eighth a year later, and in 1987 they finished third behind Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, with striker Henry Motego top scorer in the league on 21 goals.
Third place took them into the 1988 African Cup of Champions Clubs. Shabana beat Kabwe Warriors of Zambia 1–0 in Kisii, but lost the return 4–1 in Kitwe on 15 May 1988 and went out in the first round. Those were the years the press called them Kisii’s glamour boys, with Harambee Stars names like Motego, Henry Nyandoro, Mike Okoth and Richard Otambo in the side.
17 Years Out of the Top Flight
Money troubles caught up with the club and Shabana were relegated in 2006, after 21 years in the top division, and came close to folding. The rebuild started in the third division. On 28 October 2018 they won promotion to the National Super League, beating Mwatate United on penalties in a play-off, with fundraisers covering the costs of match days.
The return was sealed on 18 June 2023. A 1–0 win over Migori at Gusii Stadium, under coach Sammy Okoth, won the National Super League and put Shabana back in the Premier League for 2023–24. They finished 14th in that first season back, then fifth in 2024–25 with 53 points and fifth again in 2025–26 with 52 points from 34 games.
A New Coach and a Temporary Home
Gusii Stadium, which holds around 15,000, is being rebuilt. In April 2026 President William Ruto announced a Ksh 1 billion upgrade, due to take about nine months, plus Ksh 20 million to cover the club’s costs while it is without a home ground. For 2026–27 Shabana have moved their home games to Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
On 3 July 2026 the club unveiled Egyptian Ahmed Fathi, a CAF A licence holder and former Swedru All Blacks head coach, as its first foreign head coach in the modern era. The 2026–27 FKF Premier League began with a 1–0 win over Posta Rangers at Wang’uru Stadium, followed by a 0–0 draw with Nairobi United at Afraha on 18 October.
Henry Motego
Red and White
Red and white are Shabana’s traditional colours, and fans dress Gusii Stadium in them on match days. In March 2025 the club launched kits made by Singaporean manufacturer Mafro: an all-red home shirt with white streaks across the shoulders and sleeves, an all-white away shirt with red streaks, and a blue third shirt with red across the shoulders. SportPesa sits on the front after a three-year deal worth Ksh 75 million.
This FanFile covers Shabana FC as a club rather than one particular jersey. Check the crest, sponsor, manufacturer label and product code on your own shirt to identify its specific season and edition.
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