Recent promotion of Shabana Starlets to the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) has earned the Kisii-based team an opportunity to join the growing list of Kenyan clubs with both men’s and women.

Now Shabana Starlets will compete at the high level and marks a turning point in the club’s growth after fulfilling one world football governing body Fifa and Confederation of Africa Football requirements for competing at the highest level of the league.

Attention now shifts to the top flight football, where tougher opposition awaits them.

Club chairman Jared Nivaton said their main challenge will be to strengthen the squad to prove they are premier league material and their qualification to tango with the best at the highest level was not a fluke or a flash in the pan.

“For the Abagusii community, this is not just promotion; it is history that will never either fade away or be forgotten.”

Sharing her joy and pride after securing the promotion, Captain Sharon Wanyama praised the team’s hard work, unity and determination throughout the season. Wanyama said the promotion is a reward for their commitment and sacrifice.

Starlets and Mathare United women’s teams will be facing off at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday (June 6) to determine the overall FKF-WNSL winner after earning direct promotion to the top flight next season.

Under the tutelage of former Shabana FC captain Peter Ogechi, Starlets who topped zone B to automatically qualify will be making their debut in the FKF-WPL, while Mathare will be returning to after relegation three years ago.

Gor Mahia Queens who finished second in zone A will play zone B runners up Elim White Ladies in a play-off to determine the winner to be promoted to FKF-WPL.

Starlets promotion came a fortnight ago following their 3-1 win over Lowland Starlets at Cardinal Otunga grounds in Kisii County. They finished the season unbeaten with 44 points from 18 matches, winning 13 against five draws.

Formed a few years ago, the Nyanza region outfit steadily climbed from regional football to the national stage. Their transition from Kisii Queens to Shabana Starlets brought stronger support and a clear identity connection to the famous ‘Tore Bobe’ family.

As they surprised many to finish the league unbeaten, their men’s team Shabana FC put up a sterling performance to manage a top-five finish in the FKF- Premier League.

With a new Isuzu bus worth Ksh27 million from the state plus Ksh20 million personal donation from President William Ruto to cater for hiring match venues for their home matches and other operations, Shabana who fills their stadium during their home matches now joins other two premier league teams- AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia who have good buses.

Shabana, who are also in the Mozzartbet semi-finals, have been hiring match venues after Gusii Stadium was declared unsuitable for league matches.

• A Tell Media report / By John Ashihundu