Mark Shaban: Young Talent Joins Gor Mahia After Links with AFC Leopards

• Young talent Mark Shaban has joined FKF Premier League side Gor Mahia
• Shaban is a product of Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos FC
• There was speculation that Shaban would join Gor Mahia’s rivals AFC Leopards

Gor Mahia have signed promising young talent Mark Shaban, who has opted for the perennial Kenya champions Green Army over derby rivals AFC Leopards, despite initially training with the latter earlier this month.

There was speculation that Shaban would join Ingwe, especially after a viral online clip showed him riding with club chairman Dan Shikanda.

However, the talented forward officially became K'Ogalo's third signing in the January transfer window on January 25.

This announcement follows the recent acquisitions of Enock Wanyama and Sharif Musa, reinforcing the FKF Premier League leaders' squad as coach Johnathan McKinstry aims for back-to-back titles.

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Shaban, a product of Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos FC, emerged as the fourth-highest scorer in the 2022/2023 FKF Division 2 Zone B with nine goals.

His journey from a seven-year-old joining the Commandos to becoming their top scorer showcases his remarkable rise in the FKF Division One Zone B league.

The 17-year-old gained prominence during the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) games, where he captained Friends School Shanderema to the East Africa School Games in Huye, Rwanda, as reported by Pulse Sports.

His notable achievement included a hat trick against Kalangalala of Tanzania, leading the team to a 4-1 victory.

Shaban's versatility also participated in the Elijah Lidonde Cup National Super League side Mulembe United and the Cleo Malalah Super Cup with champions Lirhembe Arsenal.

Known for his astonishing pace, powerful shots, and composure in the penalty box, Shaban is set to add firepower to Gor Mahia's attacking options alongside Benson Omala and Patrick Kaddu.

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“He has completed a move to Gor Mahia, and it was faster than we expected. The deal was sealed on Tuesday evening, and he can be considered 100% a Gor Mahia player,” said Commandos team manager Jared Anjira, as quoted on Mozzart Sport.

When asked about the decision not to join Leopards, Anjira explained he did not want to 'carry all his eggs in the same bucket' and that they saw it better to have the Shaban try his luck at Gor, due to the exposure to a top coach who will improve him as an individual and player.

Gor Mahia’s Unbeaten Streak Continues in FKF Premier League

Sports Brief reported when perennial champions Gor Mahia beat Tusker FC 1-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

The win saw the perennial K’Ogalo move 10 points clear at the summit of the league.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Austin Odhiambo expertly executed a setpiece, curling the ball beyond the Brewers’ wall.