How Gor Mahia have disrupted Shabana's January transfer window plans
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 10.01.26. | 18:44
Despite the current inactivity, Shabana are widely regarded as one of the strongest forces in the transfer market, backed by solid financial muscle
Shabana FC fans can expect activity in the mid-season transfer market immediately after Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Gor Mahia, club secretary general Elizaphan Kerama has revealed.
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With the mid-season transfer window opening on Monday, 5 January, and set to run until early February, clubs across both the FKF Premier League and National Super League (NSL) have already begun galvanising their squads.
However, Shabana’s uncharacteristic silence has raised questions among their large and passionate fan base.
Unlike previous windows where Tore Bobe were among the first clubs to unveil new arrivals, the Kisii-based side have so far only confirmed the appointment of assistant coach Andrea Ongwae, who joined from Darajani Gogo.
No player signings or departures have been announced thus far.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kerama explained that the club made a deliberate decision to delay transfer activity in order to fully focus on Sunday’s blockbuster encounter against record league champions Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium.
“The window came earlier than expected,” Kerama said. “With the kind of pressure we have been under, we felt it was important not to disrupt the team at this stage.
This Gor Mahia match carries a lot of weight, not just competitively but also in terms of security and organisation.”
The clash between the two community giants is expected to draw a massive crowd and could significantly shape the title race, prompting Shabana’s management to prioritise stability over early transfer announcements.
Kerama, who has been at the forefront of efforts to popularise the Shabana brand nationally, insisted that the club is quietly laying the groundwork behind the scenes.
“We did not want to add more pressure to the players, other than the professional side of football; this fixture has many other considerations. That is why we chose to maintain focus and deal with transfers immediately after the match," he explained.
Despite the current inactivity, Shabana are widely regarded as one of the strongest forces in the transfer market, backed by solid financial muscle.
In recent windows, the club outmanoeuvred rivals AFC Leopards to sign Keith Imbali and Byron Otieno from Kariobangi Sharks, which showed their alluring power.
Kerama did not rule out similar high-profile moves in the current window, with Steve Biko Omolo among the players understood to be on the club’s radar.
“The technical bench has already done its work,” he revealed.
“They have assessed players and given opportunities where necessary. We expect their full report immediately after the Gor Mahia match, and from there we will have a clear picture of what they need and how best we can support them.”
“At the moment, we do not have a specific number of players we are bringing in or releasing. Once we receive the report, it will take maybe two or three days for us to act.”
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Kerama also confirmed that the Glamour Boys will trim their squad, with several players expected to be released to make room for reinforcements.
“If there are players to be released, this is the right time. If there are players to be brought in, this is also the right time, as it stands, we have not signed anyone, and we have not released anyone.”
Mozzart Sport understands that the Kisii-based side are keen to add depth and quality as they push for a sustained title challenge.
Last season, Tore Bobe finished fifth on the 18-team FKF Premier League table with 53 points, 13 adrift of champions Kenya Police FC, and the club is determined to go a step further this time around.
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