Shabana FC’s shocking management failures are crushing players’ morale and threatening Kenyan football. After decades in the lower leagues, the club’s return to the top flight should have been a triumph. Instead, players face late and inconsistent allowances, sometimes receiving nothing on match day.
After the clash against Gor Mahia, payments meant for that match were delayed and instead covered a previous game. While officials live in comfort, players struggle to meet basic needs. This negligence is demoralizing athletes and endangering the future of the historic club.
Shabana FC Management Shortcomings Undermine Top-Flight Football
Shabana FC’s promotion to the Kenyan Premier League was a moment of hope for fans and players alike. But instead of professional leadership, players describe a culture of greed and neglect.
Management mishandles finances while players bear the brunt. Match-day allowances are routinely delayed or misallocated, leaving athletes unpaid and demoralized. Officials enjoy perks and benefits, creating a stark contrast between their lifestyle and players’ struggles.
The recent match against Gor Mahia highlights this failure. Payments meant for the game only covered a previous match, meaning players entered the field knowing they would go unpaid. This practice undermines trust and shows blatant disregard for the people who make the club competitive.
Mismanagement Demoralizes Players
Players thrive on stability, recognition, and timely support. Shabana FC’s inability to pay allowances consistently crushes morale. Many athletes report attending training sessions and matches uncertain whether they will be paid.
This stress affects performance. Players distracted by financial insecurity cannot give their best on the pitch. Injuries, poor coordination, and mental strain increase, while the team’s overall performance suffers. A historic comeback becomes overshadowed by management failures, turning a moment of pride into frustration.
Stunting the Growth of Kenyan Football
Shabana FC’s problems are not isolated. They reflect a larger issue in Kenyan football: clubs prioritizing administrative greed over player welfare.
When clubs fail to honor financial commitments, talented athletes leave for more reliable opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain weakens the league and slows national football development. Shabana FC’s mismanagement at a critical time risks sending a damaging message to other clubs, young players, and fans, undermining the progress of top-flight football in Kenya.
The reality is stark: management “eats with a big spoon” while players struggle to survive. This imbalance cannot continue. Officials must face scrutiny, and financial practices must prioritize player welfare. Allowances must be transparent, timely, and fair.
If Shabana FC’s leadership fails to act, the historic return to the top flight could collapse under greed and mismanagement. Fans, sponsors, and authorities must demand accountability to protect players, restore trust, and ensure the club’s revival translates into real progress on and off the pitch.
