Shabana coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has outlined the adjustments his team has made which he believes will aid them in staving off Premier League relegation. Omollo notes a significant improvement in the team’s previously weak defense at a crucial time in the season as they aim to evade the drop.
Despite conceding 37 goals in 25 matches this season—a record only marginally better than Sofapaka’s 38 and Nzoia Sugar’s 41 at the bottom of the table—Shabana’s struggle for survival has been pronounced since their promotion to the top tier, contributing to their dismal performance.
This struggle saw them letting in 13 goals over eight matches until their recent 3-0 victory over Posta Rangers. However, scoring has not been as big of an issue for Pamzo’s squad, with their 25 goals matching the tallies of Bandari, Kakamega Homeboyz, and KCB, and even surpassing those of Posta Rangers (24), AFC Leopards (22), and Murang’a Seal (23), who all rank in the top 10.
Pamzo believes the main challenge has been securing their defense, but he is optimistic about the progress being made. He attributes the high number of conceded goals to individual errors, emphasizing the need for caution and reduced risks among his players, especially those transitioning from the National Super League (NSL) to the more punishing Kenya Premier League (KPL).
In his discussions with the team and through focused training sessions, Pamzo has noticed an improvement, particularly highlighted in their last two games where they have shown better solidity, whether in open play or defending set pieces.
Furthermore, Pamzo is steering the team away from an over-reliance on set pieces for scoring, aiming for a more dynamic approach that generates chances from open play. Initially, the team capitalized on corners, free kicks, and long throws, but struggled to create opportunities when these tactics failed. Pamzo, having previously coached Posta and Kenya Police, seeks to develop a more cohesive unit that doesn’t depend solely on individual talent or specific strategies like [Enock] Agwanda’s long throws.
As Shabana prepares to face Muhoroni Youth—an opponent equally desperate to escape relegation—this weekend, securing a victory is paramount for their survival ambitions.
