Shabana turn to former Gor Mahia defender after losing ex-Harambee Stars forward to Bandari
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 03.01.26. | 15:19
Ongwae first joined Shabana as a player between 2014 and 2015, before returning for a second stint in 2016
Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) outfit Shabana FC have moved swiftly to steady their technical bench following the departure of first assistant coach Bernard Mwalala, announcing the appointment of Andrew Mark Ongwae as the club’s new second assistant coach.
The Gusii-based club confirmed the development through a detailed press statement issued and signed by Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama, revealing that Ongwae has taken up the role with immediate effect as part of Shabana’s broader strategy to maintain technical continuity and competitiveness.
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Ongwae’s appointment comes barely hours after Shabana reportedly lost Mwalala, a former Harambee Stars forward, who is set to return to Bandari FC.
At Bandari, he is expected to fill in the gap left by Moroccan tactician Mohamed Borji, who was dismissed late last year.
The abrupt change left Shabana in need of an experienced and familiar figure,an opportunity the club seized by turning to their old boy.
“We are pleased to officially announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Ongwae as the second assistant coach of Shabana FC with immediate effect,” read part of the club statement.
“Mr. Ongwae joins us from Darajani Gogo, bringing with him valuable experience, discipline, and a strong commitment to player development and team performance. His appointment is part of our continued efforts to strengthen the technical bench and enhance the club’s competitiveness this season.”
The move marks a third return to Shabana for Ongwae, underlining the strong bond between the club and the former defender.
He previously served the Glamour Boys as a player, team captain, and assistant coach, making him one of the most familiar faces within the club’s footballing structure.
Ongwae first joined Shabana as a player between 2014 and 2015, before returning for a second stint in 2016.
He later came back in a technical capacity, serving as second assistant coach during the club’s National Super League (NSL) campaign, a period that laid the foundation for Shabana’s eventual return to the top flight.
Away from Shabana, Ongwae enjoyed a respectable playing career with Agro Chemicals, World Hope, Congo United, Nairobi City Stars, and giants Gor Mahia, where he further honed his leadership qualities.
On the coaching front, Ongwae brings six years of cumulative experience, having ventured into coaching around 2020.
He has since served as head coach at Gusii FC, Vihiga Bullets, and most recently Darajani Gogo, while also holding assistant coaching roles at Zoo Kericho, Shabana, Darajani Gogo, and Gusii FC.
Working alongside head coach Peter Okidi and experienced former Gor Mahia and Western Stima attacker Francis Ochola, Ongwae will now be part of a technical team entrusted with steering Shabana toward sustained stability, and potentially their maiden FKF-PL title.
