APS Bomet will host Shabana FC at the Green Stadium in Kericho on Saturday in a Sportpesa League Round 18 encounter, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm EAT.
The match carries significant weight for both sides, the hosts are fighting to climb out of the danger zone, while the Glamour Boys are eyeing a top-three spot.
APS Bomet, currently sitting 16th on the log with 14 points, enter the tie under the guidance of newly appointed veteran coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo.
ALSO READ: Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi remains confident of SportPesa League title challenge
Despite a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to AFC Leopards last weekend, conceding twice in stoppage time, the Black Berets have shown they can be giant-killers, having famously thrashed record champions Gor Mahia 4-1 earlier this season at Nyayo Stadium.
For the visitors, the momentum is high. Shabana FC occupies 4th place with 27 points and is coming off a solid 1-0 victory over Sofapaka at Gusii Stadium.
Under Coach Peter Okidi, the Kisii-based side has firmly remained in the title conversation.
A win in Kericho could see them leapfrog Kakamega Homeboyz into the top three, keeping the pressure on the league leaders.
APS Bomet vs Shabana FC team news
APS Bomet are expected to hand minutes to their mid-season signings as Pamzo looks to solidify a defense that has struggled to close out games.
The club has completed the acquisition of Hillary Juma from Kakamega Homeboyz and is expected to play a crucial role in attacking midfield.
Bomet will however continue being without Former AFC Leopards attacker Hansel Ochieng who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Shabana FC are buoyed by the return to full fitness of talismanic playmaker Brian Michira.
After a three-month injury layoff, Michira has already hit the ground running, scoring against Nairobi United as a substitute before being named in the starting eleven that won against Sofapaka.
However, they will still be without captain George Orako and Midfielder Justin Omwando who is returning to full fitness.
Coaches Perspective
Ahead of the clash, APS Bomet head coach Sammy Omollo emphasized the need for concentration:
“We played well against Leopards but lost focus at the very end. Against a team like Shabana, you cannot afford a single minute of sleep. We are playing at home, and the objective is to start our climb away from the relegation zone immediately.”
On his part, Shabana’s Peter Okidi remains focused on the title race:
“Every match now is a final. Bomet is a dangerous team, especially with a new coach, and we saw what they did to Gor Mahia. We respect them, but our target is maximum points to keep our title dreams alive.”
Head-to-Head and Form
The two sides have met just once in league history being the opening round of the 2025/26 season where Shabana emerged victorious in a 4-2 thriller at Gusii Stadium. Brian Michira was the star of that day, netting a brace.
Recent Form:
- APS Bomet: L-D-L-L-W (4 points from last 15)
- Shabana FC: W-D-L-W-D (8 points from last 15)
Victory for Shabana will keep them within touching distance of the summit, while a win for APS Bomet could potentially move them as high as 14th, depending on other results.