Mwalala Out, Ongwae In : The Badge Is Bigger Than Everything

Shabana FC has once again found itself at the center of Kenyan football conversation. Just as the Glamour Boys continue their push in the SportPesa League, news has emerged confirming that assistant coach Bernard Mwalala is set to leave the club for Bandari FC, triggering swift changes on the Shabana technical bench.

For Shabana Nation, this is not just another football update. It is a moment that speaks to the club’s growth, ambition, and ability to respond under pressure.
Bernard Mwalala Set to Join Bandari FC

According to reports from The Star and SportPesa Blog, Bernard Mwalala is on the verge of completing a move to Bandari FC, where he previously enjoyed success as head coach. The Dockers, currently battling inconsistency, have turned to a familiar face in an attempt to stabilise their season.

Mwalala’s departure comes mid-season, a time when Shabana FC has been enjoying one of its strongest league campaigns in recent years. During his time at Kisii, Mwalala played an important role in the technical team, even taking charge during periods when head coach Peter Okidi was away. Under his watch, Shabana went on an impressive unbeaten run that boosted belief among players and fans alike.

Initially, Shabana officials downplayed reports of his exit, insisting he remained under contract. However, his absence from training sessions after the festive break and confirmation from coastal sources made it clear that the move was imminent.

For fans, the feeling is mixed. There is appreciation for Mwalala’s contribution, but also the understanding that football is a game of movement. Coaches come and go. The club remains.
Shabana FC Responds Quickly to Coaching Change

What stands out in this situation is not the departure itself, but how Shabana FC handled it.

Rather than panic or delay, the club moved decisively to reinforce the technical bench by appointing Mark Ongwae as the second assistant coach. This appointment sends a clear message: Shabana FC is focused on continuity, stability, and identity.

This is the kind of response expected from a club that now considers itself among Kenya’s serious contenders.
Who Is Mark Ongwae? A Familiar Name to Shabana Fans

For younger fans, Mark Ongwae may be known mainly as the former Darajani Gogo head coach. But for long-time Shabana supporters, his name carries deeper meaning.
Rumours that Ongwae once played for Shabana FC are not just fan talk — they are true. Ongwae was a defender for Shabana, and at one point served as club captain during a difficult but formative era in the team’s history. He was part of the generation that carried the club through transition, long before the current spotlight returned to Gusii Stadium.

After his playing days, Ongwae went on to feature for other Kenyan clubs, including Gor Mahia, before transitioning into coaching. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a disciplined, detail-oriented tactician with strong roots in player development.

His return is not just a technical appointment. It is a reconnection with Shabana’s past.

Why Ongwae’s Appointment Makes Sense for Shabana FC

From a football perspective, Ongwae ticks several important boxes:

• He understands Shabana FC culture, pressure, and fan expectations

• He brings defensive experience, something crucial in tight league contests

• He holds a CAF B coaching license

• He has worked across different levels of Kenyan football
  

But beyond qualifications, what matters most to Shabana Nation is this: he knows what it means to wear the badge.
At a time when clubs often chase big names with little connection to their identity, Shabana has chosen familiarity, loyalty, and understanding. That matters in a title race.

Shabana FC Title Push Continues Despite Changes

The SportPesa League does not pause for transitions. Matches will come thick and fast, and Shabana FC remains firmly in the hunt. The team’s position on the table, recent performances, and support from fans at Gusii Stadium all point to a club moving in the right direction.

Mwalala’s exit is a reminder that success attracts attention. Ongwae’s arrival is proof that Shabana is prepared for that attention.
This is not a step back. If anything, it is a sign of maturity.

What This Means for Shabana Nation

For the fans, this moment is about belief. Belief that the club is bigger than any individual. Belief that leadership knows what it is doing. Belief that the journey continues regardless of off-pitch noise.

Mark Ongwae returns not as a stranger, but as one of our own, now entrusted with shaping the next phase of Shabana FC’s revival. Bernard Mwalala leaves with respect, but the focus now shifts fully to what lies ahead.