What many fans don’t know is that the club’s journey began in 1982, thanks to the vision and generosity of Dogo Khan, a Kisii-based businessman originally from Bonyunyu Village in Nyamira County.

Born in 1950, Khan was raised by his mother after losing his father early in life. He attended Kisumu Primary School and later Kisumu Boys High School, where his passion for football first flourished. After school, he ventured into business, founding Shabana Hardware and General Stores Limited, which gained prominence in Kisii and Kisumu.

The business success inspired the naming of the football club, which was initially called Olympic. Dogo Khan began sponsoring the team to give talented youth, especially those from the Olympic Youth team, a chance to grow their careers.

“I used to go to the stadium to watch matches and there was a team called Olympic Youth. When they were done with the program, they had nowhere to go. I didn’t want their talent to go to waste, so I started a team to absorb them,” he told Pulse Sports in a past interview.

Khan didn’t just provide a platform — he supported players through education, using profits from his hardware business to pay school fees for future legends like Henry Motego, Mike Okoth, and the late Yabesh Nyandoro. Many of them attended schools like Cardinal Otunga, Mosocho, and Itierio.

“Some were still in school. I was paying their school fees. That is how we started building the team,” Khan added.

Shabana FC rose quickly through the ranks: from the District League, to the Provincial League, and then the Super League by 1985. In their debut top-flight season, the team finished 10th, then 5th in the second season, and 3rd in the third, behind AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. This performance earned them a place in the Africa Champions Cup against Zambia’s Kabwe Warriors.

However, 2006 brought turbulence. A dispute over relegation led to the club being disbanded. Two years later, in 2008, Shabana was revived and began its climb back from the lower leagues, eventually reclaiming its place in the Premier League.

Today, Shabana FC plays home matches at Gusii Stadium, and its legacy continues to grow. The club is celebrated for producing some of Kenya’s greatest football talents. Alongside Motego and Okoth, the club has nurtured stars such as:

• Richard Otambo
• Salim Mabruk
• Hussein ‘Tigana’ Omar
• Kisco Kariuki
• Peter ‘Kasskass’ Kamau
• Sammy Simiyu
• Seif Puzo
• Sylvester Mageni
• Evans Ombuna
• Alfred ‘Fwaya’ Oloo

The influence of Dogo Khan and Shabana FC continues to be felt both in Kenyan football and within the communities the club has uplifted. The Glamour Boys remain not just a football team, but a symbol of regional pride, resilience, and vision.

With only three Premier League games remaining, the Bees’ explosive victory keeps their continental ambitions alive — and puts more pressure on United amid fresh injury worries and tactical questions.

First Half Drama: Mount Strikes, But Brentford Hit Back

United started brightly, with Mason Mount opening the scoring in the 14th minute after meeting a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho — only his second goal since joining the Red Devils.

But Brentford quickly struck back in the 27th minute when Mikkel Damsgaard’s cross deflected off Luke Shaw and found the net, leveling the match. The United skipper endured a torrid evening, struggling to lead a heavily rotated side fielded by manager Ruben Amorim.

Just minutes later, Schade rose above Tyler Fredricson to nod in Damsgaard’s delivery, putting Brentford ahead 2–1 and sending the home crowd into raptures.

United’s players were incensed that play hadn’t been halted when Matthijs de Ligt pulled up injured during the build-up to the goal.

Schade Shines as Bees Dominate Second Half

Brentford continued their charge in the second half, with Bryan Mbeumo delivering a pinpoint cross in the 70th minute for Schade, who headed home his second and Brentford’s third.

Just four minutes later, Yoane Wissa made it 4–1, latching onto Michael Kayode’s clever pass to finish clinically as United’s defence unraveled.

Despite late goals from Garnacho (82’) — a brilliant long-range effort — and Amad Diallo in injury time, Brentford held firm to secure all three points in one of the season’s most entertaining clashes.

De Ligt Injury Adds to United’s Woes

A major concern for United is the condition of Matthijs de Ligt, who limped off clutching his hamstring just weeks after recovering from an ankle injury. With a Europa League semi-final looming, manager Ruben Amorim admitted he was “really concerned” about the Dutch international’s availability.

Amorim had made significant squad rotations, starting only three players from their recent 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao — a decision that ultimately backfired.

Brentford Making History

With 62 league goals this season — bettered only by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle — Brentford are peaking at just the right time. Schade’s double took him to 10 goals, making him the third Brentford player to hit double digits in the league, a feat no other Premier League club has matched this season.

With remaining fixtures against Ipswich, Fulham, and Wolves, Brentford’s dream of qualifying for Europe for the first time since 1992 is very much alive.

Over the Easter weekend, the coastal team put on a commanding performance, finishing atop the leaderboard with an impressive 48 gross points over four competitive rounds. Their emphatic win not only secured their inaugural title but also etched their name into the legacy of Kenya’s most storied amateur golf tournament, now celebrating 100 years.

The tournament was staged at the historic par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club, founded in 1906, and featured nine elite teams from across the country, including hosts Royal Nairobi, Muthaiga, Kenya Railway, Vet Lab, Sigona, Windsor, Western Kenya, and Limuru Country Club.

Strong Start, Stronger Finish

Mombasa opened their campaign with a strong 12-point start in Round 1, followed by a formidable 15 points in Round 2. Despite a dip to 10 points in Round 3, they closed out with 11 points in the final round, finishing a decisive nine points ahead of their closest rivals, Muthaiga Golf Club, who ended on 39 points.

The team was captained by Gurbux Singh and managed by Erick Nyongesa, and included top amateur stars such as Adel Balala and William Odeck, both of whom recently competed at the 2025 Magical Kenya Open. They were joined by seasoned KAGC Series players Sammy Mulama and Henry Kamau, along with rising junior talent Nathan Ngweno, who also made a vital contribution to the team’s success.

“This win means the world to us,” said team captain Gurbux Singh. “It’s not just about the trophy—this is about discipline, belief, and years of hard work. We’re deeply grateful to NCBA for their unwavering support over the past three years. This victory is theirs too.”

Final Standings Snapshot

• Mombasa Golf Club – 48 points
• Muthaiga Golf Club – 39 points
• Kenya Railway & Vet Lab – 35 points each
• Sigona & Western Kenya – 30 points
• Windsor – 29 points
• Royal Nairobi – 26 points
• Limuru – 16 points

Despite home advantage, defending champions Royal Nairobi Golf Club settled for 8th position, while Limuru Country Club finished at the bottom.

Senior Team Leads by Example

Mombasa’s senior squad also made headlines earlier in the week, dominating their category with a combined gross score of 477 (239 and 238). They were closely followed by Western Kenya (480) and Royal Nairobi (481)—setting the tone for the club’s all-round success.

NCBA Bank Applauds the Champions

At the awards ceremony, NCBA Bank’s Corporate Banking Director Charles Omondi lauded Mombasa’s performance and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting sports and community development.

“We are incredibly proud of Mombasa Golf Club,” said Omondi. “At NCBA, we believe in nurturing platforms that cultivate discipline, character, and unity. Partnering with this team has been a privilege, and their triumph shows the power of consistent support and shared growth.”

As the Tannahill Shield celebrates 100 years of excellence, Mombasa Golf Club’s historic triumph is not just a victory—it’s a defining moment for Kenyan coastal golf and a signal of even greater potential on the horizon.

The incident follows the arrival of around 3,000 Aston Villa supporters in Paris, with roughly 1,000 reportedly without tickets—many of whom are expected to crowd local bars and public viewing areas. The influx has heightened concerns about potential disorder.

In response, French authorities have rated the fixture a “risk of trouble,” placing it at Level 3 out of 5 on their hooliganism threat scale. Increased police presence has been deployed across key areas of the city in anticipation of further disturbances.

Despite the off-pitch chaos, Villa manager Unai Emery remains focused on the task at hand. His side faces a formidable PSG team at the Parc des Princes, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 local time.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter. PSG’s attack, led by the pacey Ousmane Dembélé, poses a significant threat. However, Aston Villa have bolstered their European hopes with marquee signings Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, injecting fresh firepower into the squad.

With PSG tipped for a narrow 2-1 victory, the tie remains wide open ahead of the decisive second leg at Villa Park.

The eyes of Europe are on Paris tonight—not only for the football, but also for how the city handles the tension brewing beyond the pitch.

After opening with a five-over-par 76 that left him in fourth, Manji found his groove in round two, carding five birdies to finish with an impressive one-over-par 72. His two-round total of six-over-par 148 gives him a three-stroke lead heading into the weekend.

“I stayed calm, played my game, and trusted my swing,” said Manji, now in pole position to claim the title with two rounds left.

Beiju Fades, Shah Slips, But Manji Rises

Overnight co-leader Krish Beiju couldn’t match his day-one form and dropped to second place after a difficult round.

Krish Shah had an up-and-down day that included three birdies, four bogeys, and three double bogeys. His round of 80 left him at nine-over-par 151, still within striking range but needing a bounce-back.

Kevin Anyien’s Comeback Lights Up Muthaiga

The performance of the day belonged to Kevin Anyien, who wasn’t even in the top ten after round one. Following a rough 82 on day one, Anyien delivered a dramatic turnaround with the lowest score of the day — a one-under-par 70.

That round featured five birdies, two bogeys, and a single double bogey, bringing his total to ten-over-par 152.

“I knew I had to go low to stay in it. I just focused on one shot at a time,” Anyien said.

He now sits just four shots behind Manji, with momentum clearly on his side.

Kanana Muthomi Leads the Girls’ Pack

Kanana Muthomi continues to hold her own among the boys, posting a solid 76 in round two to sit at 14-over-par 156. Currently in seventh place overall, she remains the top-ranked girl in the tournament and a dark horse for a podium finish.

Big Names Miss Cut as Field Narrows to 32

Only 32 of the original 99 players advanced past the cut line.

Among the early exits was Ivan Nalima, who admitted to falling short of expectations.

“My putting let me down. I’ll take the lessons and come back stronger,” Nalima said after his exit.

Also bowing out was Kayden Wissanji, who was forced to withdraw due to injury despite a promising front nine.

“I pushed as far as I could, but the pain was too much. I had to make the tough call,” he shared.

Eyes on the Weekend: Can Manji Hold On?

With round three teeing off at 7:00 a.m., all eyes will be on Manji as he looks to fend off a hungry chasing pack. But with Kevin Anyien heating up and seasoned players like Shah and Beiju in striking distance, the championship is far from decided.

The match had been postponed from Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch following heavy rains, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirming the rescheduled fixture via their X (formerly Twitter) account:

“KCB vs Gor Mahia match was unable to be played due poor pitch conditions and will be played tomorrow Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m.”

First Half: Odhiambo’s Moment of Magic

Gor Mahia entered the match fresh from a 1-1 draw in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, sitting on 43 points, while KCB were at 40 points after their recent 2-2 tie with Kakamega Homeboyz.

The match started with intensity, but Gor Mahia suffered an early blow when defender Kennedy Onyango was injured just six minutes in and replaced by Geoffrey Ochieng.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, when Austin Odhiambo curled in a brilliant free-kick, handing Gor a vital lead. The 22-time champions maintained pressure, although defender Sylvester Owino was cautioned just before halftime.

Second Half Drama and a Red Card

Tensions flared in the second half, and Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic was shown a red card in the 49th minute for dissent on the sidelines.

KCB nearly found the equalizer in the 64th minute through a well-taken free kick, but Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews made a spectacular save to deny them.

Despite late pressure from KCB, the solitary goal by Odhiambo remained decisive, sealing a narrow 1-0 win for Gor Mahia.

Updated League Standings

• Gor Mahia: 46 points (with a game in hand)
• Tusker FC: 48 points
• Kenya Police: 49 points

The result positions Gor Mahia firmly back in the title race, just three points behind league leaders Kenya Police and with a crucial game in hand.

Beyond the half-marathon, Kandie has demonstrated exceptional versatility. He holds a remarkable 10km personal best of 26:50, achieved in 2022, and clocked an impressive 2:04:48 in the marathon in 2023. His contributions were also instrumental in securing Kenya’s gold medal at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.

Kenya continues to face heightened scrutiny due to a rising number of doping cases among its elite runners. Kandie’s suspension remains provisional as investigations into the matter progress.

As the countdown to the globally renowned motorsport event begins, KCB is integrating green initiatives into its rally sponsorship to enhance sustainability in Kenya.

KCB Rally Drivers Join Conservation Efforts

KCB-sponsored drivers, including Evans Kavisi and rally sensation Tinashe Gatimu, have teamed up with the bank to promote environmental stewardship alongside their motorsport preparations.

Gatimu, who is part of the KCB racing team, has been fine-tuning her Subaru GC8 for the high-profile rally while actively participating in conservation efforts.

The tree-planting exercise, held at Karuri Primary School and Gachie High School in Nairobi, aligns with Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion-tree goal by 2032.

KCB Invests Sh1 Million in Conservation

KCB Group has allocated Sh1 million from its WRC Safari Rally sponsorship toward conservation initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to community engagement, education, and environmental impact in rallying.

In 2025, KCB Group aims to plant 3,000 more trees, adding to the 100,000+ trees it has planted since 2021.

KCB Rally Team’s Role in Environmental Conservation

KCB-sponsored rally drivers, including Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, and Evans Kavisi, along with their navigators, continue to play an active role in the bank’s long-term afforestation efforts.

KCB Group’s Marketing and Communication Director, Rosalind Gichuru, and rally driver Tinashe Gatimu shared their insights after participating in the tree-planting exercise at Karuri Primary School.

“Sustainability is at the core of KCB’s initiatives, and through motorsport, we are integrating conservation efforts to make a lasting impact,” Gichuru stated.

As world rally enthusiasts prepare to converge in Kenya for the WRC Safari Rally, KCB remains committed to balancing sports excellence with environmental responsibility.

Stay updated for more developments on KCB’s sustainability efforts and WRC Safari Rally 2025!

The program, officially launched on Saturday, is the largest NBA youth development initiative in East Africa to date. It kicked off with a coaching clinic for over 100 local trainers at SABIS International School in Nairobi.

Regional Tournaments and Elite Training Camps

In its first phase, the program will feature regional tournaments in:

• Nairobi – February 22-23
• Mombasa – March 8-9
• Eldoret – March 15-16
• Kisumu – March 22-23

Each city will host 40 teams (20 boys’ and 20 girls’ teams), where young athletes will receive skills training and engage in competitive matches.

Following the regional tournaments, 80 top-performing players (16 boys and 16 girls from each city) will earn a spot at an elite Top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa this April.

Beyond Basketball: Financial Literacy for Young Athletes

In addition to basketball training, Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform will provide participants with financial literacy training, equipping them with money management skills to help them navigate their future.

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi emphasized the impact of the program:

“Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls. We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”

A Vision for Youth Empowerment

Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa highlighted that the initiative aligns with a major milestone for the company as M-Pesa celebrates its 18th anniversary this March.

“Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment. Through M-PesaGo, this partnership extends beyond basketball, aiming to create a lasting impact on youth empowerment.”

He further explained how the program will help nurture young talent:

“We are committed to building character, developing potential, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-Pesa Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”

By combining elite basketball training with financial literacy, the M-Pesa Jr. NBA program is poised to shape the next generation of Kenyan athletes, preparing them for success both on and off the court.

Progress and Challenges in Infrastructure Development

CAF acknowledged the commendable efforts made by the three East African Community (EAC) nations in improving infrastructure essential for the tournament. This includes work on:

• Stadium construction and upgrades
• Training fields
• Accommodation facilities
• Hospitals and other key amenities

Despite this progress, CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure experts determined that the facilities are not yet at the requisite level to host a successful CHAN. Following a detailed inspection, areas requiring improvement were identified, particularly in Kenya.

“More time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting a successful Total Energies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”),” the statement read.

Gratitude from CAF Leadership

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe extended his gratitude to the presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their leadership and commitment to the tournament’s preparation:

“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructure will meet CAF standards for a successful CHAN in August 2025.”

Current Status of Preparations

The announcement comes as a disappointment to Kenya, which had aimed to showcase its capacity to meet international deadlines. Spot checks revealed the following:

• Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani: Progressing but lagging in some sections.
• Nyayo National Stadium: Approximately 80% complete, with ongoing work on the grass and dressing rooms.

Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya expressed optimism despite the postponement, highlighting the significance of hosting the CHAN draw in Nairobi. The draw is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) at 8:00 PM Kenyan time.

Next Steps

CAF has yet to announce the exact start date for the tournament in August 2025. The postponement provides additional time for the host nations to align their infrastructure with CAF’s standards, ensuring the successful execution of the Total Energies African Nations Championship.

Stay tuned for more updates on the CHAN tournament and progress in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.