Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has raised concerns over the increasing injury crisis affecting his squad after their 2-1 defeat to Posta Rangers at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday evening. Despite a late penalty from Victor Omondi offering a glimmer of hope, it wasn’t enough to avoid Shabana’s first home loss of the season, leaving the team visibly frustrated.
The defeat marked a significant setback for Shabana, who had previously been unbeaten at home. With the team already missing key players such as captain George Orako and winger Brian Michira, Okidi’s challenges were compounded further when Mark Otieno was forced off injured in the second half. The injury crisis has now become a major worry for the coach, affecting both performance and consistency.
Speaking after the match, Okidi expressed frustration over the mounting injuries and their toll on the team’s balance and depth. “It is a concern because it’s adding to the injuries we already have. Those who are out don’t look like they’ll be back soon,” he admitted. The coach emphasized that the situation was seriously impacting the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite the loss, Okidi acknowledged that the game was closely contested, with both teams attacking throughout. However, he was critical of his side’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly their failure to convert a penalty that could have brought them back into the match. “We had a penalty that brought us back into the game, but we didn’t make it count,” Okidi noted, adding that it was a wake-up call for the players.
The coach also pointed to a lack of character and accountability, urging his players to show more mental resilience in future games. “This was a game that needed a lot of character. Those players that came in today need to look at themselves in the mirror and analyze their performances before we even give them their scorecard,” he said.
With the injury crisis continuing to affect the squad, Okidi will need to quickly adapt and find solutions if Shabana is to recover from this defeat and maintain a strong challenge in the FKF Premier League.
