Faiz Opande

Defensive Midfielder - Nasaf
5 Nov 2029
Monday
Process

Marked for Faiz Opande

169 Edition

The Nasaf Courier

22 Oct 2029
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Yusuf Otubanjo: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Nasaf have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Remember the name: Ilay Ben-Simon

He is 20, he is averaging 7.01, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.

Squad

Tempers go at Nasaf

Yusuf Otubanjo was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

  • Squad The manager makes an example of Faiz Opande
  • Boardroom Wages eat 101% of everything Nasaf earn
  • Market The Oybek Rustamov story refuses to die
  • Boardroom The Nasaf board put their names to it
Back issues
165 Edition

The Nasaf Courier

24 Sep 2029
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Squad

Jaloliddin Masharipov: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Nasaf have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Remember the name: Ilay Ben-Simon

He is 20, he is averaging 7.01, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.

Squad

Bobur Abdiholiqov in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Nasaf this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Nasaf get the job done against Lokomotiv

A 3‑2 win over Lokomotiv, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Ilay Ben-Simon

Marked 9.08 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Bobur Abdiholiqov

Marked 8.53 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Boardroom

114% of the income goes out in wages at Nasaf

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

No hiding place for Faiz Opande

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Faiz Opande, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

A costly moment from Sardorbek Bahromov

One lapse, one goal, and ninety minutes of honest work counting for nothing. That is the job at Nasaf, and it is a cruel one.

In brief

156 Edition

The Nasaf Courier

23 Jul 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Adenis Shala

Successful dribbles: 26. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Joseph Mwangi hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Nasaf can pretend not to have heard.

Match

The wait goes on for Nasaf

5 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Yusuf Otubanjo in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Nasaf this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Sharof Muhiddinov

Defensive actions: 17. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

The afternoon belonged to Murodbek Rahmatov

A mark of 7.78, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.

Squad

Faiz Opande has outgrown this division

There is a level at which a footballer stops being tested and starts being contained, and he reached it some time ago. Nasaf know it, and so does everybody who watches him.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Adenis Shala

3 goals and a season average of 7.22 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Player ratings

The one thing Davronbek Usmonov could not do

Shots: 10, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

148 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

28 May 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Rafi Pamungkas hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against Gor Mahia

0‑2 to Gor Mahia, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Timothy Imala lets one through his hands

A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Sebastian Wekesa talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Player ratings

Keegan Ndemi runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 11. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

Dennis Cheruiyot never got going

5.54 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

In brief

147 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

21 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Xidirdavlat Raimqulov hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Zafarbek Rahimjonov

Defensive actions: 19. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Patillah Omoto runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Faiz Opande

Defensive actions: 15. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks draw a blank against Bandari

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Bandari defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

Squad

Dancan Omala knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Faiz Opande story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Faiz Opande signs something — a contract at Kariobangi Sharks or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

In brief

146 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

14 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Kariobangi Sharks march on in the cup

Ulinzi Stars are out and Kariobangi Sharks go through, 3‑3 the final word. The bracket opens up a little, and everyone allows themselves a look at it.

Market

Steve Biko Omollo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Timothy Imala decides it from twelve yards

1 kept out in the shoot-out, and a stadium that will still be describing them in twenty years. A goalkeeper only needs one of these to be remembered forever.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Faiz Opande

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 22 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Loan watch

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues counts the days

“I watch every Kariobangi Sharks game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Cagliari runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.

Player ratings

Tenuka Ranaweera in the eights

A performance of 8.73 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks see off APS Bomet

Three points for Kariobangi Sharks, 1‑0 the final word against APS Bomet in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Abdoulaye Mahamat

Marked 8.37 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

145 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

7 May 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Ally Salum Omar puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Timothy Imala keeps Kariobangi Sharks in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks find a way past Sofapaka

Sofapaka made Kariobangi Sharks work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Faiz Opande

Defensive actions: 18. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Humphrey Aroko

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ronald Sichenje

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Zafarbek Rahimjonov

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 14 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

In brief

144 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

30 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Faiz Opande asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Match

The wait goes on for Kariobangi Sharks

7 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa out for 39 days

The medical room confirms 39 days on the sidelines for Sebastian Wekesa, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Ally Salum Omar

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.40, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Humphrey Aroko runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

No hiding place for Luke Onesmas

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Luke Onesmas, and the manager let it.

Match

Honours even between Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

143 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

23 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

6 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 6, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Market

Xidirdavlat Raimqulov puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Kakamega Homeboyz take the points off Kariobangi Sharks

Beaten 0‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Humphrey Aroko

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

No hiding place for Mohammed Habib Sarwari

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Mohammed Habib Sarwari, and the manager let it.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ally Salum Omar trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

The Faiz Opande story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Faiz Opande signs something — a contract at Kariobangi Sharks or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

Player ratings

Ronald Sichenje never got going

5.52 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

In brief

142 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

16 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Kariobangi Sharks

5 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Market

Rafi Pamungkas puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Ally Salum Omar

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.04, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Loan watch

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues wants to come home

“I did not go to Cagliari to sit and watch. I want to come back to Kariobangi Sharks and fight for my place.” 1 appearances in 9 matches say the rest.

Match

Honours even between Kariobangi Sharks and Nairobi United

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Player ratings

Humphrey Aroko runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 14. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Xidirdavlat Raimqulov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Faiz Opande asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

141 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

9 Apr 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Ally Salum Omar hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Match

The wait goes on for Kariobangi Sharks

4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against AFC Leopards

0‑2 to AFC Leopards, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Dancan Omala

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Hamza Asrir gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

139 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

26 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Whatever happens, Kariobangi Sharks do not lose

6 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Faiz Opande

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 20 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Ian Karani

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 18 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Patillah Omoto

Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Ronald Sichenje gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks draw a blank against Ulinzi Stars

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Ulinzi Stars defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

Player ratings

Dennis Cheruiyot never got going

5.13 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

Squad

Dancan Omala knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Dancan Omala trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

137 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

12 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

No mercy from Kariobangi Sharks

Muranga Seal will want this one forgotten quickly: 4‑0, every duel lost, and a long ride home. Kariobangi Sharks were ruthless in the way good sides are ruthless.

Market

Ally Salum Omar asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Keegan Ndemi

Marked 9.78 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

One of those days for Hamza Asrir

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.08, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Faiz Opande

Defensive actions: 20. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Patillah Omoto

Marked 8.33 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Victor Majid

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

136 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

5 Mar 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Steve Biko Omollo hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Ian Karani

Defensive actions: 30. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Ian Karani stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Ian Karani and Kariobangi Sharks agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Faiz Opande

Defensive actions: 21. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Dancan Omala in the eights

A performance of 9.12 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Patillah Omoto runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks see off Bidco United

Three points for Kariobangi Sharks, 1‑0 the final word against Bidco United in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Market

Kariobangi Sharks and Mohammed Habib Sarwari are talking past each other

“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.

In brief

135 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

26 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Sebastian Wekesa asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa keeps Kariobangi Sharks in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

4 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Patillah Omoto runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Faiz Opande

Defensive actions: 20. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Luke Onesmas gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Ian Karani

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 16 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Faiz Opande trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

134 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

19 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Clifford Otieno asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Keegan Ndemi

Marked 8.34 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

No hiding place for Abdoulaye Mahamat

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Abdoulaye Mahamat, and the manager let it.

Match

Keegan Ndemi rescues a point for Kariobangi Sharks

It needed Keegan Ndemi to find the net to bring anything home at all: 1‑1 against Mara Sugar, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Dancan Omala

Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Sebastian Wekesa story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Sebastian Wekesa signs something — a contract at Kariobangi Sharks or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

Player ratings

Ally Salum Omar never got going

5.78 on the card. Some afternoons a footballer looks like a man who has only just been introduced to the game, and this was one of them.

In brief

133 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

12 Feb 2029
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Ally Salum Omar asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Mara Sugar join the queue for Faiz Opande

Add another name to the list: Mara Sugar have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Faiz Opande. The answer from Kariobangi Sharks has not changed — yet.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against KCB

0‑1 to KCB, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Humphrey Aroko

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Ian Karani gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Loan watch

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues wants to come home

“I did not go to Cagliari to sit and watch. I want to come back to Kariobangi Sharks and fight for my place.” 0 appearances in 0 matches say the rest.

Market

The Patillah Omoto question follows Kariobangi Sharks around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Patillah Omoto’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

Market

The window shut and Hamza Asrir is still in the building

Kariobangi Sharks spent a month trying to move him and nobody rang back. He trains with a squad that has told him where he stands, and both sides start counting down to the next one.

In brief

131 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

29 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Hamza Asrir hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Mohammed Habib Sarwari trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

130 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

22 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Kariobangi Sharks say no — this time

The offer from Young Boys for Mohammed Habib Sarwari was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Boardroom

The silence upstairs is getting loud at Kariobangi Sharks

Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.

Squad

At 21, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues is already the best thing here

An average of 7.18 in a first team he is several years too young for. Kariobangi Sharks have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Abdoulaye Mahamat

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

129 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

15 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Ally Salum Omar asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Young Boys join the queue for Mohammed Habib Sarwari

Add another name to the list: Young Boys have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Mohammed Habib Sarwari. The answer from Kariobangi Sharks has not changed — yet.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

The Patillah Omoto question follows Kariobangi Sharks around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Patillah Omoto’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

Market

The shop window has Faiz Opande in it

Kariobangi Sharks have let the market know Faiz Opande can be had. No price in the advert, but everyone in the trade knows roughly what it says.

In brief

128 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

8 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Brondby come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Kariobangi Sharks did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Market

Xidirdavlat Raimqulov puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Talks stall between Kariobangi Sharks and Mohammed Habib Sarwari

“We are a long way apart, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.” Neither side is close, and the calendar is not on the club's side.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Faiz Opande trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

Maxwell Kubasu is free to find somewhere else

“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Kariobangi Sharks has been clear about where Maxwell Kubasu stands, which is more than many ever get.

In brief

127 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

1 Jan 2029
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Humphrey Aroko asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Market

No place for Zafarbek Rahimjonov in the plan

“The manager did not use many words, and he did not need to.” Zafarbek Rahimjonov has his answer from Kariobangi Sharks; what he does with it is the next window’s story.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Faiz Opande trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

A season on the outside for Hamza Asrir

He trains hard, says the right things and goes home to an empty flat. Nobody at Kariobangi Sharks has done anything wrong, which is exactly what makes it so difficult to fix.

Market

The Faiz Opande story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Faiz Opande signs something — a contract at Kariobangi Sharks or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

In brief

124 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

11 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Ghai Panchol asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Abdoulaye Mahamat signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Abdoulaye Mahamat commits to Kariobangi Sharks for another 3 years.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Market

Still no ink between Kariobangi Sharks and Mohammed Habib Sarwari

“We keep meeting, and we keep leaving the room with the same numbers we walked in with.” Another round of talks at Kariobangi Sharks, another week without a signature from Mohammed Habib Sarwari.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Mohammed Habib Sarwari trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

The Sebastian Wekesa talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

123 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

4 Dec 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Xidirdavlat Raimqulov hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Victor Majid signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Victor Majid commits to Kariobangi Sharks for another 2 years.

Squad

Hamza Asrir knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Hamza Asrir trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Maxwell Kubasu

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Boardroom

Kariobangi Sharks pull $16.9K back off the table

The money that was there in the summer is not there now. Nobody upstairs calls this a change of ambition, and everybody downstairs reads it as one.

In brief

121 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

20 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Ally Salum Omar asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

85% of the income goes out in wages at Kariobangi Sharks

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Patillah Omoto question follows Kariobangi Sharks around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Patillah Omoto’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

Boardroom

The Kariobangi Sharks production line keeps running

12 graduates out of an academy now rated 4 out of 20. Clubs this size survive on exactly that, and the town knows every name.

In brief

120 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

13 Nov 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Boardroom

Kariobangi Sharks have won it

This is the season the town will measure the next twenty against. The trophy travels home with the squad, and the route through the streets was agreed days ago.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks march on in the cup

Sofapaka are out and Kariobangi Sharks go through, 1‑0 the final word. The bracket opens up a little, and everyone allows themselves a look at it.

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Sebastian Wekesa

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Faiz Opande shuts the door

Defensive actions: 22, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

Marked 8.71 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Hamza Asrir shuts the door

Defensive actions: 19, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

In brief

118 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

30 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Steve Biko Omollo asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Kariobangi Sharks boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Squad

At 21, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues is already the best thing here

An average of 7.18 in a first team he is several years too young for. Kariobangi Sharks have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

In brief

116 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

16 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Hamza Asrir knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Hamza Asrir trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

114 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

2 Oct 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Steve Biko Omollo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Kariobangi Sharks boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Squad

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.18 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Kariobangi Sharks know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Abdoulaye Mahamat gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Xidirdavlat Raimqulov stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Xidirdavlat Raimqulov and Kariobangi Sharks agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

In brief

111 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

11 Sep 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Kariobangi Sharks through in the cup

A 2‑1 win over AFC Leopards, and the draw for the next round can be watched with some interest for once.

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Faiz Opande

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 27 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Zafarbek Rahimjonov

Marked 9.43 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Victor Majid

Defensive actions: 20. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Keegan Ndemi in the eights

A performance of 8.76 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks see off APS Bomet

Three points for Kariobangi Sharks, 1‑0 the final word against APS Bomet in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Market

Kariobangi Sharks and Abdoulaye Mahamat are talking past each other

“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.

In brief

108 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

21 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Hamza Asrir asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Sebastian Wekesa

There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Hamza Asrir shuts the door

Defensive actions: 22, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Steve Biko Omollo

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 21 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Player ratings

Humphrey Aroko in the eights

A performance of 8.70 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks find a way past Kakamega Homeboyz

Kakamega Homeboyz made Kariobangi Sharks work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

One of those days for Dancan Omala

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.08, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

No place for Abdoulaye Mahamat on the big day

He found out with everybody else, an hour before kick-off, from a sheet of paper on a wall. Nobody at Kariobangi Sharks pretended it was anything other than a decision about him.

In brief

107 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

14 Aug 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Kariobangi Sharks

9 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Match

Every point is an argument now for Kariobangi Sharks

Position 16 and 22 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Michael Wanjala says Kariobangi Sharks went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Patillah Omoto out for 20 days

The medical room confirms 20 days on the sidelines for Patillah Omoto, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Sebastian Wekesa

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Dancan Omala

Marked 8.57 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Market

Still no ink between Kariobangi Sharks and Abdoulaye Mahamat

“We keep meeting, and we keep leaving the room with the same numbers we walked in with.” Another round of talks at Kariobangi Sharks, another week without a signature from Abdoulaye Mahamat.

In brief

105 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

31 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Dancan Omala hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Match

7 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 7, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.63, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Steve Biko Omollo gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Boardroom

Wages eat 103% of everything Kariobangi Sharks earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

Match

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues rescues a point for Kariobangi Sharks

It needed Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues to find the net to bring anything home at all: 1‑1 against Tusker, and half the dressing room will call it a point won.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Faiz Opande

Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

The Patillah Omoto talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

104 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

24 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Hamza Asrir hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

6 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Mark Bikokwa has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Kariobangi Sharks they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks lose Keegan Ndemi

19 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Match

Ulinzi Stars take the points off Kariobangi Sharks

Beaten 1‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

One of those days for Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.57, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ian Karani

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Dancan Omala runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 14. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

In brief

103 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

17 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

Every point is an argument now for Kariobangi Sharks

Position 16 and 19 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Sebastian Wekesa

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Only the photograph left for Victor Majid

Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Victor Majid will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Kariobangi Sharks the goodbyes have quietly begun.

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Joseph Amoah hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Patillah Omoto out for 49 days

The medical room confirms 49 days on the sidelines for Patillah Omoto, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against Kenya Police

1‑2 to Kenya Police, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Faiz Opande

Marked 8.94 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

102 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

10 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nothing got past Zafarbek Rahimjonov

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 40 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks through in the cup

A 0‑0 win over Gor Mahia, and the draw for the next round can be watched with some interest for once.

Market

Steve Biko Omollo asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa decides it from twelve yards

1 kept out in the shoot-out, and a stadium that will still be describing them in twenty years. A goalkeeper only needs one of these to be remembered forever.

Squad

Timothy Imala keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Kariobangi Sharks may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

4 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues is the real thing at 21

A season average of 7.11 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Kariobangi Sharks know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Clifford Otieno

Defensive actions: 20. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

101 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

3 Jul 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Dancan Omala puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Bidco United take the points off Kariobangi Sharks

Beaten 1‑3, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

One of those days for Tenuka Ranaweera

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.82, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Hamza Asrir

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Faiz Opande runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa lets one through his hands

A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.

Boardroom

94% of the income goes out in wages at Kariobangi Sharks

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Market

The Patillah Omoto talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

100 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

26 Jun 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Faiz Opande hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Keegan Ndemi

Successful dribbles: 22. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks count the cost of losing Keegan Ndemi

47 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Sebastian Wekesa

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against Mathare United

0‑1 to Mathare United, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Humphrey Aroko knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Faiz Opande talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Player ratings

A day to forget for Dennis Kweyu

Marked 5.71, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.

In brief

96 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

29 May 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Faiz Opande asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Mohammed Habib Sarwari commits to Kariobangi Sharks for another 4 years.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

No hiding place for Hamza Asrir

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Hamza Asrir, and the manager let it.

Match

Gor Mahia take the points off Kariobangi Sharks

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

Mohammed Habib Sarwari asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Player ratings

A day to forget for Mark Bikokwa

Marked 5.39, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.

Market

The Faiz Opande talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

95 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

22 May 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

Ghai Panchol keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Kariobangi Sharks may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks count the cost of losing Patillah Omoto

110 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Kariobangi Sharks

The unbeaten run reaches 6. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Player ratings

Patillah Omoto runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

One of those days for Hamza Asrir

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.21, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks share the spoils with Bandari

A 1‑1 draw with Bandari leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Market

The Sebastian Wekesa story refuses to die

It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Sebastian Wekesa signs something — a contract at Kariobangi Sharks or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.

In brief

94 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

15 May 2028
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Market

Dennis Cheruiyot hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Kariobangi Sharks can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks count the cost of losing Faiz Opande

36 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

At 20, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues is already the best thing here

An average of 7.02 in a first team he is several years too young for. Kariobangi Sharks have something, and by now the whole division has noticed.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks find a way past APS Bomet

APS Bomet made Kariobangi Sharks work for it, but the scoreboard read 2‑1 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

Dancan Omala in the eights

A performance of 8.32 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks count the cost of losing Kenneth Muguna

89 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Market

The Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

92 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

1 May 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Sebastian Wekesa

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks share the spoils with Posta Rangers

A 1‑1 draw with Posta Rangers leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Squad

Faiz Opande asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

Nobody at Kariobangi Sharks has picked up the phone to Clifford Otieno

8 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.

Squad

Steve Biko Omollo is off the mark for Kariobangi Sharks

The first one is the one every signing is asked about until it arrives. It has arrived, and he can stop being asked.

Market

The Faiz Opande talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Player ratings

Off the pace: Mark Bikokwa

A mark of 5.61 tells the story without any need for embellishment. He will want the tape of this one quietly lost.

In brief

91 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

24 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Sebastian Wekesa

There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Faiz Opande puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Patillah Omoto

Successful dribbles: 20. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

One of those days for Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.66, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues sends Kariobangi Sharks past Kakamega Homeboyz

It finished 1‑0, and it was Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Kariobangi Sharks.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Faiz Opande

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 19 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Squad

Ronald Sichenje gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Faiz Opande knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Faiz Opande trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

89 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

10 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

12 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 12, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa keeps Kariobangi Sharks in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 9 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Player ratings

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 27. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

Faiz Opande shuts the door

Defensive actions: 23, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Keegan Ndemi

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Keegan Ndemi, and the manager let it.

In brief

88 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

3 Apr 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

11 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Humphrey Aroko

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.60, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

No hiding place for Victor Majid

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Victor Majid, and the manager let it.

Squad

Costly mistake from Sebastian Wekesa

An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Sebastian Wekesa knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks and Tusker take a point apiece

It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

Squad

The armband comes off Faiz Opande

Kariobangi Sharks will explain it as a decision about the team, and it may well be one. A dressing room has never once read it that way.

Market

The Sebastian Wekesa question follows Kariobangi Sharks around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Sebastian Wekesa’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

Market

The clock runs on Mark Bikokwa's contract

9 months left and silence from upstairs — no offer, no talks, nothing for his people to answer. Clubs that let a calendar do their negotiating usually end up negotiating with the calendar.

In brief

87 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

27 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

10 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Faiz Opande asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Faiz Opande

Successful dribbles: 20. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Sebastian Wekesa

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

A bad afternoon for Kariobangi Sharks against Ulinzi Stars

0‑1 to Ulinzi Stars, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Sebastian Wekesa lets one through his hands

A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ally Salum Omar trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

Faiz Opande linked with a move away

The name of Faiz Opande keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Kariobangi Sharks say nothing, which says plenty.

In brief

86 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

20 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

9 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 9, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Match

Kariobangi Sharks taken apart

0‑3 to Kenya Police, and it was every bit as bad as the number suggests. There are defeats you argue about and defeats you apologise for; this was the second kind.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Ally Salum Omar gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Faiz Opande

Successful dribbles: 18. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Boardroom

Nobody left the Kariobangi Sharks dressing room in a hurry

The door stayed shut a long time after the final whistle. What was said in there is between them; whether it worked is between them and Saturday.

Squad

Costly mistake from Sebastian Wekesa

An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Sebastian Wekesa knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.

Squad

Hamza Asrir knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Kariobangi Sharks, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

84 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

6 Mar 2028
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

7 matches without a win for Kariobangi Sharks

The run now stands at 7, and the questions being asked around Kariobangi Sharks are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Ronald Sichenje keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Kariobangi Sharks may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues commits to Kariobangi Sharks for another 5 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Hamza Asrir

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

83 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

28 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Kariobangi Sharks's wait for a win

6 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Kariobangi Sharks has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Sebastian Wekesa

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues

Successful dribbles: 24. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Kariobangi Sharks count the cost of losing Keegan Ndemi

27 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Match

Mathare United take the points off Kariobangi Sharks

Beaten 1‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Sebastian Wekesa

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Faiz Opande linked with a move away

The name of Faiz Opande keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Kariobangi Sharks say nothing, which says plenty.

Player ratings

Off the pace: Ally Salum Omar

A mark of 5.59 tells the story without any need for embellishment. He will want the tape of this one quietly lost.

In brief

80 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

7 Feb 2028
From our football correspondent Crisis

Player ratings

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 27. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

As if he never left: Samuel Njeru returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Samuel Njeru is a Kariobangi Sharks player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

As if he never left: Brian Masika returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Brian Masika is a Kariobangi Sharks player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

As if he never left: Clinton Juma returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Clinton Juma is a Kariobangi Sharks player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Market

As if he never left: Michael Manyama returns

Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Michael Manyama is a Kariobangi Sharks player again, and the town has its story of the summer.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

79 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

31 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Joseph Amoah asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Keegan Ndemi out for 57 days

The medical room confirms 57 days on the sidelines for Keegan Ndemi, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Hamza Asrir in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Kariobangi Sharks this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Humphrey Aroko gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Market

Kariobangi Sharks buy the years ahead of Joseph Amoah

He is 18, and the scouting reports agree on the only line that matters: the ceiling. Signings like this are lottery tickets written by professionals.

Market

Denis Simiyu brings the grey hairs Kariobangi Sharks lacked

At 37, he has seen every situation this season can produce, twice. The legs will be managed; the head is the purchase.

In brief

75 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

3 Jan 2028
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Dennis Cheruiyot puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Kariobangi Sharks, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Market

The Faiz Opande talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Squad

Hamza Asrir has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Hamza Asrir keeps the shirt for now, at Kariobangi Sharks's convenience rather than his own.

Squad

Stephen Mbulere Bwire knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Stephen Mbulere Bwire trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

Kariobangi Sharks pick up Ronald Sichenje for nothing

The best deals are the ones the accountants never notice. Ronald Sichenje arrives at Kariobangi Sharks with his wages the only cost and something to prove the only clause.

In brief

71 Edition

The Kariobangi Sharks Post

6 Dec 2027
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Dennis Cheruiyot asks to leave Kariobangi Sharks

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Tempers go at Kariobangi Sharks

Hamza Asrir was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Zafarbek Rahimjonov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Hamza Asrir asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

Victor Majid brings the grey hairs Kariobangi Sharks lacked

At 35, he has seen every situation this season can produce, twice. The legs will be managed; the head is the purchase.

Market

The Faiz Opande talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Kariobangi Sharks know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief