Shabana FC head coach Ahmed Fathi has expressed his disappointment with the state of the Afraha Stadium pitch following his side’s 1-1 draw against Migori Youth on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The Glamour Boys were on course for their second league victory after Sigmum Maina struck to give them a lat first half lead before Churchill Otieno struck back to force a draw, leaving Shabana to contend with dropped points for a third consecutive match.

Speaking after the game, the Egyptian tactician noted that the poor playing surface made it difficult to execute his tactical philosophy, having previously made a bold declaration that the team would soon be playing the most entertaining and attractive football in the league.

“I cannot blame anyone; I am responsible for this draw. I have to refine my program and tactics. If we get a good pitch, we will perform, but on a surface like this, you cannot control the game,” Fathi explained.

Rain-soaked encounter

“The weather ruined this match. If you give me a good pitch in proper condition, we will play well. But on this field, you cannot control the flow of the game. With the heavy rain, the ball was bouncing everywhere, and players were constantly slipping, making things very difficult,” he explained.

However, the coach conceded that the Gusii-based club has limited options. Shabana elected to use the Nakuru venue as their adopted home ground for the 2026/27 season amid a nationwide stadium shortage caused by ongoing construction and facility upgrades ahead of AFCON 2027.

The surface will face another immediate test when reigning FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia pitch camp at the same venue for their Week 5 clash. Charles Akonnor’s side is set to host high-flying KCB in a top-of-the-table encounter in the Rift Valley town on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

A statement from Gor Mahia Secretary General Nick Arum confirmed the venue shift.

“We will host KCB at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday. The change has been necessitated by the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium, which is closed for 10 days for routine maintenance,” Arum stated via the club’s official Facebook portal.

Gor Mahia, who remain unbeaten after a flawless start to the campaign, will be seeking to extend their winning streak against Robert Matano’s side.