'Lowest moment of my career' - Shabana FC midfielder after injury-plagued season

Six months of frustration, pain and false starts have finally taken their toll on Shabana FC midfielder Justine Omwando, with the club now confirming the midfielder will miss the remainder of the season as he continues recovery from a serious leg injury.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

The Glamour Boys issued an update on the combative midfielder, whose prolonged absence had raised concern among supporters, revealing that he is currently undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture on his right tibia.

Omwando has endured a nightmare campaign, spending close to six months on the sidelines due to the niggly injury that initially appeared minor before escalating into a long-term setback.

Government reveals completion dates for Talanta and Kasarani Stadiums

The experienced midfielder first picked up the knock during Shabana’s final match of last season against Ulinzi Stars.

What was initially perceived as a routine injury gradually developed into a persistent problem that disrupted his entire season.

Despite discomfort, Omwando pushed through the pain and featured in Shabana’s opening six matches of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League campaign.

However, the injury worsened after the club’s clash against AFC Leopards, forcing him out for nine weeks as the club’s medical team attempted to manage the situation.

The setback ruled him out for the final two months of 2025 before he eventually made his comeback in January 2026.

He returned as a second-half substitute during Shabana’s goalless draw against Gor Mahia and later featured in the club’s 1-0 victory over Sofapaka.

However, hopes of a full recovery were short-lived after he aggravated the injury once again shortly after his return.

The recurrence prompted further medical examination, including a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, which eventually revealed a hairline fracture on the right tibia.

The diagnosis forced the midfielder to undergo plaster application as part of his treatment process.

FIFA president Infantino lauds Mozzart Bet’s support for Kenyan football

In a medical update released by the club, Shabana confirmed the next phase of his rehabilitation program.

“Hairline fracture of the right tibia. Scheduled plaster application today. Continue using elbow crutches for ambulation to minimise weight-bearing.

Follow-up MRI and X-ray to be conducted in three weeks for reassessment of healing progression,” read part of the club statement.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport⁠, Omwando described the ordeal as the most difficult period of his football career, admitting the lengthy spell out had left him devastated.

“It feels disappointing to have missed six months of action in a season where we had high hopes of doing better and fighting for a domestic cup double. I feel the team missed my services,” said Omwando.

“This has been the lowest moment of my career because I have never faced such an injury or stayed out for this long. It was a situation of misdiagnosis, and by the time the actual cause of the pain was identified, the injury had already escalated.

AFC Leopards coach reveals tactical masterclass in win over Ulinzi Stars

I am now undergoing treatment, and hopefully I will be fit again for the upcoming campaign.”

His absence has been a major blow for the Kisii-based side in what has turned into a frustrating season for the club, with Shabana failing to mount a serious challenge for silverware despite entering the campaign with lofty ambitions.

Having missed a significant portion of the season already, the former Migori Youth midfielder is now expected to continue rehabilitation throughout the remainder of the campaign, with a return to competitive action projected for next season.