Nyamweya outfoxes Machogu and Arati in Shabana's supremacy duel

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FOOTBALL: Nyamweya outfoxes Machogu and Arati in Shabana's supremacy duel

Kiplagat Sang 18:15 - 03.07.2023

The experienced football administrator is among the high-ranking officials running the NSL side.

Former Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya has emerged top of the pile in Omigusi darling Shabana's supremacy contest. 

In his heydays they called him Mkombozi. Keengu has managed to outfox protagonists Ezekiel Machogu, Education Cabinet Secretary, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati to maintain the lofty office of club patron. 

Shabana sealed their promotion to the top-tier with four games to go and are expected to be one of the most supported clubs in the Premier League starting in the 2023/24 season.

Tore Bobe, being a community club, enjoy support in major towns in the country beyond their home county of Kisii. Some claim their supporters can rival those of traditional Premier League sides Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

Nyamweya, according to papers in the possession of Pulse Sports, is the bona fide patron of the National Super League heavyweights.

"This is to certify that Shabana Football Club is registered with this office as a sport organization with the following as its officials, who should also be signatories to the bank account of the organization.

"Chairperson Paul Mayieko, Secretary Peter Omwando, Treasurer Stephen Kiama, and Club Patron Sam K. Nyamweya," the document from the Sports Registar reads.

Since leaving as the FKF chief president, Nyamweya has not been in a very active football administration but has always made his voice heard. He is Nick Mwendwa's key critic and has always pointed out flaws made by the current FA president.

The return of Shabana, who were relegated in 2006 to the lower division, is set to give Nyamweya a bigger stage to influence Kenyan soccer. Given his roots in the football fraternity, his voice, alongside those of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards chairmen as well as Tusker, is set to be influential  given the status of those clubs in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Shabana have their focus fixed on the NSL title after they failed to lift it on Sunday when they were defeated by arch-rivals Murang'a Seal 2-1.

The champion of the second tier will now be decided on the final day, with Tore Bobe hoping to seal the championship and end their campaign on a high note.