By Nelson Mandela
Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has commended the recently concluded talent trials in Nyamira and Kisii counties, calling them a significant success and pointing to the abundance of unpolished talent at the grassroots level.
Held on July 18 and 19, the two-day scouting mission aimed to uncover gifted players under the age of 23 who could potentially join either the senior or youth squads of the club.
The trials started at Sere Grounds, covering North and West Mugirango, before moving to Rigoma Grounds to give opportunities to players from Kitutu Masaba and Borabu constituencies. Those attending were expected to bring full training gear, carry valid ID documents, and could not be registered with any KPL club — a clear effort to focus solely on untapped local talent.
“What we’ve seen is extremely promising and encouraging,” said Coach Okidi.
He added, “There’s so much talent at the grassroots, and this initiative was carefully planned between the technical bench and management to tap into it effectively.”
Since joining the FKF Premier League in the 2023/24 season, Shabana FC has quickly risen to prominence, finishing in fifth place with 53 points—just four points behind the top four.
Meanwhile, the club’s youth team has been impressing as well, currently sitting at the top of the Kisii County League with 39 points, maintaining a solid nine-point lead over their closest competitors, Nyaguta Bayern.
Okidi mentioned that several players discovered during the trials will be considered for the youth or senior teams based on their progress and performance.
“As a community club, it’s vital that we give our local boys a platform,” he noted. “It’s better we keep and develop our own talent rather than let it flourish elsewhere.”
He also urged fans to continue supporting the club as they prepare for the new season.
Add comment
Comments