The “Glamour Boys” struggle continues in the FKF Kenya Premier League. Having registered one win, three draws  and losing three times, the Kisii based outfit have had a bad start to this season. Before their  narrow win last time out, Shabana had only three points from six matches played and at the bottom of the league table. Frustrated fans who have questioned the technician's bench ability to lead the team.

Uncertainty On Technical Bench

The former Kenya international, Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo has been under immense pressure to deliver results. Last season, Pamzo took over the club mid-season when it was battling relegation. His endeavors ensured the club survived the relegation axe by finishing 15th, three points above the relegation play off spot.

However, this season things are not going his way. Furthermore, in the last two matches played, against Kariobangi Sharks and Nairobi City Stars, Coach Pamzo has not been seen on the touchline. This has raised eyebrows among fans, who are now questioning the future of the veteran coach.

Peter Okidi, who was signed from Nakuru Bucks as an assistant coach two weeks ago, has been incharge of the first team activities. He was on the touchline during the 1-0 defeat against Nairobi City Stars. He was assisted by goalkeepers' trainer David Juma. On Friday, Mwalala and former international midfielder Osborne Monday joined the coaching staff. Though roles remain unclear, Okidi, the only CAF A badge holder, is likely to lead the team.

Shabana's Shaky Defence

The Glamour boys have conceded seven goals this season. Out of seven goals conceded, four have been from set pieces, two from open play while one from transition. From the data collected from Tisini, it suggests that Shabana are vulnerable in defending set pieces.

Against Ulinzi Stars, Shabana conceded a goal from set pieces (corner).  Having a look at the goal, Shabana players defend in a zonal manner failing to put pressure on Ulinzi Stars players who perform a split movement from the corner. Ulinzi Stars delivers an outswing corner targeting the player who makes runs from split movement to meet the ball and rises above the Shabana's players before slotting it home with a towering header for an equalizer.

.

Against Mara Sugar, Shabana conceded another goal from a corner. Mara Sugar's Mathews Isogol took an inswing corner targeting the near post. Shabana players fail to track Joseph Okwenda who makes a run to  meet the ball at the near post before putting it past Shabana's goalkeeper.

In a settled play Shabana builds up with a 1-2-4-4 formation with the fullbacks advancing up the pitch as the one of the double pivot midfielder, either Justin Omwando or Christopher Raila drops to progress the ball. This build up structure leaves gaps that are easily exploited by the opponent as the rest defense of three or four is overpowered by overloads created by the opponents last line of attack.

Against Nairobi City Stars, Shabana’s passive 1-4-4-2 press failed to defend a long ball played in the channel by Nairobi City Stars leading to a goal. Mohammed Bajaber kept the width by staying wide, Brian Bett, in the right back position, who was defending half space failed to track him leading to the goal after Brian Marvin lost an aerial duel.

Poor in-Game Management

Shabana has lost more points from a winning position this season. Despite scoring first and being in the lead in some matches, they failed to keep the lead to see out the match. Against Bidco, they threw away their lead to get Bidco back in the game as the match ended 1-1. Against Ulinzi Stars, Shabana had a 2-1 lead till the 95th minute before Ulinzi Stars had a late minute equalizer. Also against Sharks, they gave away a penalty while in control of the game before Keith Imbali equalized to level the scoreline.

The glamor boys have scored four goals this season. Two goals have been from set pieces and two from transitions. Last season, Shabana was one of the teams in the league that was a threat in set pieces as most of the goals scored came from set pieces. Mathew Tegis is the leading goal scorer as he has found the back of the net four times while Brian Michira has one goal.

The lack of creativity in the final third can be attributed to the low accuracy of the progressive passes played by the Shabana's players. Out of 33 progress passes played, only 14 have been complete while 19 are incomplete. Against Mara Sugar, Shabana failed to register a shot on target.

Shabana also looks to make more passes in their own half between the center back, Brian Marvin and two midfielders in the double pivot, Christopher Raila and the Skipper Justin Omwando.

Poor Home Form

Prior to this season, Gusii Stadium, the home of the Shabana has been in cold for eighteen years without a premier league match. Last season, the stadium being under renovation, the club was forced to seek refuge and host their home matches in Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay. This season, the stadium was cleared to host Shabana's home matches after the completion of renovation. 

With four matches played at Gusii, Shabana has lost two by a solitary goal against Sofapaka and Nairobi City Stars. Their match week two games was postponed as the match officials cited a hostile environment due to turnout of large crowds in the particular match.  

Their first win of the season last weekend was also their first home win. Tore Bobe home matches always attract a thousand of fans who turn on to witness their team kick the ball. With the 12th man on stand, Shabana needed to capitalize on the noise and turn things around to their advantage to humiliate teams in their home matches.