Heartwarming reason why Shabana coach dedicated Sofapaka victory to James Mazembe

Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi dedicated their win over Sofapaka to Kenya international James Mazembe who unfortunately lost his sister before the match.

This followed a tribute by his teammates, who held his jersey in a team photo before the match.

The former Kariobangi Sharks attacker was conspicuously missing from the team despite being a regular starter since Okidi took over the reins at Shabana.

The former Nakuru All Stars coach revealed that Mazembe, who missed the match, lost his sister, just moments before the team departed Kisii for Nairobi.

"This win is for Mazembe (James). If he were available, he would have played. We received the news of his sister's demise while leaving for Nairobi, so we decided to come out and fight for him. I believe he is happy wherever he is," said Okidi.

Shabana won the match by a solitary goal courtesy of a 26th-minute strike by Ezekiah Omuri. Okidi explained the importance of the win in his post-match press conference and called for consistency from his team.

Basketball: Blades treading carefully in race for podium place

"We really wanted to win this match because we lost at home in the first leg and targeted at least a point, but I am glad we got back all three points.

I thank the boys for the fight. We created a lot of chances and converted one. Sofapaka also created many chances but failed to convert any. What we need now is to find consistency," he stated.

The former Nakuru Bucks tactician also appreciated his Sofapaka counterpart, Ezekiel Akwana, for his tactical approach to the match despite being on the losing end.

Murang'a Seal custodian on two reasons why he prefers big games

"It was a good match because it was against a team with a coach who is very tactical, and the game flowed well and remained tactical until the final whistle."

Further, Okidi thanked the Shabana faithful who filled the stadium, rallied behind the team, and made Dandora a home away from home.

"If you look at the match, our supporters filled the stadium. So for us, we do not know home or away. We are always at home, wherever we play, and I thank the fans for showing up in large numbers," he said.

The Glamour Boys welcome Kariobangi Sharks to Gusii Stadium on Sunday 2 February, for their next league match.

Gor Mahia closing in on Ugandan striker