Inside new Shabana coach's plan to dethrone Gor Mahia in 2026-2027 season
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 05.07.26. | 16:50
The Egyptian, who was unveiled last Friday, succeeds Osborne Monday who left the club for Nairobi United
New Shabana FC head coach Ahmed Fathi Abdalla Ibrahim has wasted no time in outlining his ambitions, declaring that his mission at the Gusii-based club is to challenge for the FKF Premier League title.
The Egyptian tactician was officially unveiled last Friday as Shabana's new head coach, taking over from Osborne Monday who left for Nairobi United.
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Ahmed was unveiled alongside former Kenya U-20 assistant coach Hesbon Nyabinge, who joined the club as his first assistant.
Speaking after his unveiling, the 40-year-old made his ambitions crystal clear, insisting he had arrived at the club to compete for major honours.
"I cannot explain the feeling. I believe I am in the right place for this mission and I can assure the fans that we will give our best throughout the new season. I am here to go for the league title and CAF competitions, and I believe it is all achievable," Ahmed declared.
The CAF A Licence holder also spoke of the honour of taking charge of one of Kenya's most passionately supported clubs.
"It's a big chance for me to be here at this amazing club and it's a big chance for any coach to handle Shabana with such a big fan base. It is a privilege and I can assure them we will do our best.
For the fans, we will do our best to create a well-organised team. We will try to build modern football with a clear identity of play and once we achieve that, we will go all out to achieve laid targets."he added.
Ahmed arrives in Kenya with vast coaching experience accumulated across Africa and Asia.
His most recent head coaching role was with Ghanaian side Swedru All Blacks after serving as an assistant coach at Egyptian clubs Ismaily SC, National Bank of Egypt (NBE Club), El Gouna FC, El Dakhlia SC and Ghazl El Mahalla.
His coaching résumé also includes overseas stints with FC Osaka in Japan and Malaysian clubs FELDA United FC and Johor FC.
The Egyptian inherits a Shabana side that continues to make steady progress following its return to the FKF Premier League in 2023 after a 17-year absence.
Last season, the Glamour Boys registered their best finish since promotion, placing fifth in the league standings while also reaching the Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinals.
Ahmed will now be tasked with building on that momentum as Shabana seek to establish themselves among Kenya's elite and mount a serious challenge for domestic honours when the 2026-2027 FKF Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, 22 August