This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Shabana FC, a Kisii-based football club, is facing a severe financial crisis that may lead to its collapse. The club's treasurer, Enock Omariba, revealed that the team is struggling to meet its financial obligations, including salaries and traveling expenses.
According to Omariba, the club used to spend over Sh2 million every month on salaries and traveling expenses during the previous season. However, with the recent nullification of the licenses of two betting companies, SportPesa and Dafabet, that were supposed to provide sponsorship, the club's financial situation has worsened.
"We are really struggling financially and this may affect us next season," Omariba said in an interview with Nation Sport.
The club's coach, Gilbert Selebwa, has expressed concerns about the team's financial situation, stating that they have not yet started preseason training due to the lack of funds. Selebwa has also urged Kisii Governor James Ongwae to honor the Sh5 million pledge he made last year to support the club.
Selebwa warned that if the situation remains unchanged, Shabana may collapse, and the club may not be able to participate in the next season's National Super League.
The club's financial woes have been exacerbated by the recent announcement by the County government of Kisii that local teams will have to pay to access Gusii Stadium, the main sports facility in the region.
