Shabana part ways with coach Peter Okidi after loss to Sharks
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 17.03.26. | 08:52
The tactician leaves the club after a rather a successful tenure that saw him stabilise the outfit and transform it to title contenders
Shabana FC have parted ways with head coach Peter Okidi, with assistant Andrew Ongwae stepping in as the club searches for a permanent replacement.
The decision follows two consecutive defeats, including a 2-1 loss to Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday in Kisii, where The Glamour Boys surrendered a 1-0 lead to bow to the visitors.
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So bad was the collapse that Sharks needed just two minutes to turn the tie in their favour.
Trouble for Okidi started two weeks earlier, after a 5-1 thrashing by AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium.
Although Shabana secured a Mozzart Bet Cup win over Muhoroni Youth thereafter, the following league game at home against Kariobangi Sharks ended in defeat, prompting fans to demand that the Kenya U17 assistant coach leave the club.
On Sunday evening, club president Jared Nivaton indicated the change, borrowing the famous words of the late former vice president George Saitoti: “There comes a time when the nation is bigger than an individual.”
Nivaton adapted it for the club, posting in a WhatsApp group: “There comes a time when the club is bigger than an individual,” signaling that Okidi’s tenure had come to an end.
The decision highlights the fragility of coaching positions.
Before the back-to-back losses to Leopards and Sharks, Okidi had not lost in seven league matches, recording five wins and two draws.
However, mounting pressure from fans and club branches over the last two weeks forced the management’s hand.
Okidi joined Shabana FC as an assistant coach in late October 2024, following his departure from FKF Division One side Nakuru Bucks FC, to bolster the technical bench under head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omolo.
He later assumed the head coach role during the 2024/2025 season after Pamzo’s exit and appointed Bernard Mwalala as his assistant.
That season, Shabana mounted a strong league challenge, finishing fifth with 53 points, 12 shy of champions Kenya Police FC.
This season, Okidi departs with Shabana FC in third place after 23 league rounds, 13 points behind leaders Gor Mahia.
His departure underscores both the highs and lows of his tenure: from a challenging start, to leading the team to strong league performances, and ultimately succumbing to recent pressures.