Kenya Premier League returnees Shabana FC have appointed Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has their head.
With the team facing relegation, Omollo was unveiled today by the club chairman Jared Ombongi, secretary general Elizaphan Kerama, and assistant secretary Evans Kibagendi.
“His biggest task will be to ensure we maintain our FKF Premier League status. He is already in Kisii and we expect him to hit the ground running on Thursday. His first match in charge will be against Nzoia Sugar on Sunday,” said Ombongi.
Shabana sit 17th on the log with 14 points while Nzoia are bottom of the log with 13 points.
Ombongi added: “Omollo will also streamline the technical bench and take charge of recruiting players in the current transfer window. He will assess the current squad and make necessary recommendations. We already have more than 10 potential recruits who will also be assessed. We also expect him to instill discipline in the team.”
The new coach will work closely with interim coach Caleb Aringa in rebuilding the team in the current transfer window.
Ombongi further noted that Omollo is an experienced coach and appealed to fans to support him as he starts the herculean task of rescuing the team from the danger zone.
The former Gor Mahia and Kenya Police head coach was unveiled on Wednesday.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Sammy Pamzo Omollo as the head coach of Shabana,” said club secretary-general Elizaphan Kerama in a brief statement.
“Omollo brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the realm of football coaching. We extend our best wishes to him in his new role and anticipate a successful tenure,” said Kerama.
Speaking on the possible new signings, interim coach Aringa said more than 10 new players are currently training with Shabana at their Kisii School training base. Among them are four Tanzanians and a Burundian.
“We are currently assessing them and we may eventually settle for five who are very impressive. Some players will leave to create room for new signings,” he said.
The transfer window opened on Monday and will close on February 8.
Shabana will face fellow strugglers Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma on Sunday. “This is a very critical game which we must win. If we lose this game, we drop to the bottom of the log,” said Aringa.