Shabana FC Secretary-General Elizaphan Kerama has dismissed reports of a mass player exodus, insisting the Glamour Boys have largely retained their squad ahead of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season.
Speaking in a candid interview with Sporty FM, Kerama also explained the circumstances surrounding the departures of former head coach Peter Okidi and coach Osborne Monday, while assuring fans that the club's technical bench is already in place for the new campaign.
Kerama said speculation about Shabana's transfer activity has been exaggerated, noting that only one player has officially left the club despite reports linking several key players to moves elsewhere.
"We keep hearing that players are leaving, but where is that information coming from? Officially, we have only lost one player," Kerama said.
He added that influential players Brian Michira and Kevin Omundi remain part of Shabana's plans, dismissing social media reports suggesting they are set to leave.
According to Kerama, the club's priority is to retain the core of the squad that guided Shabana to a fifth-place finish in the FKF Premier League last season while making targeted signings to strengthen areas identified by the technical department.
Beyond player recruitment, Kerama confirmed that Shabana have already assembled a complete technical team, with only the official unveiling pending.
"As we speak, we have a senior coach, two assistant coaches, a fitness coach, a data analyst, a youth development coach, two physiotherapists and a nutritionist. The work has already been done. What remains is the official unveiling," he revealed.
Kerama also addressed the departure of former head coach Peter Okidi, rejecting claims that the coach was dismissed despite leaving with Shabana sitting third in the league standings.
"We did not sack Peter Okidi. It was a mutual agreement," Kerama explained.
"We sat down, assessed the situation and looked at the parameters. Shabana is one of the biggest community clubs in Kenya, and there were off-the-pitch issues that were creating enormous pressure. Sometimes football is not just about results on the field."
He said that although the team's performances remained competitive, off-field challenges made it increasingly difficult for both parties to continue working together.
"There comes a point where everyone has to assess whether they are capable of handling the demands of that particular moment. We agreed on what was best for both the club and the coach, and that is why I don't use the word 'sacked.'"
Kerama further disclosed that assistant coach Bernard Mwalala's move to Bandari disrupted Shabana's technical setup during a critical stage of the season.
He explained that Osborne Monday was appointed on a short-term basis to provide stability after Okidi's departure rather than as a long-term replacement.
"When Osborne came, it was on a short-term agreement because we had remained with Ongwai after Okidi left. We wanted someone experienced to help us finish the season," he said.
Kerama revealed that the club had considered retaining Monday as an assistant coach on a long-term basis. Still, the move did not materialise after the coach opted to pursue another opportunity.
Reflecting on the campaign, Kerama said Shabana made significant progress despite narrowly missing out on continental football.
The men's team finished fifth in the FKF Premier League and reached the FKF Cup quarter-finals. The women's team secured promotion to the Kenya Women's Premier League, while the youth side also earned promotion.
With the technical department now fully assembled and the bulk of last season's squad expected to remain, Kerama believes Shabana are well placed to build on last season's achievements.
He urged supporters to ignore speculation surrounding transfers and coaching appointments, insisting that only official communication from the club should be considered reliable as preparations for the new season continue.
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