Shabana Football Club, fondly known as Torobobe, is currently making waves in the Kenyan football arena.
The club made entry into the Football Kenya Federation Premier League after spending 17 years in the lower-tier league following their relegation in 2006, alongside AFC Leopards.
While Leopards clawed their way back to the top flight in 2009, Shabana faced an arduous journey back to the premier league.
Here is the story of the founder of the club as told by WoK.
Founding of the club
The club was established in 1980 by a visionary Kisii-based businessman named Dogo Khan.
Born in 1950 in Bonyunyu Village, Nyamira County, Kenya, the entrepreneur showed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.
After his father passed away, he lived with his mother and eventually moved to Kendu Bay where he settled with his uncle.
Education
His educational journey led him to Kisumu, where he attended Kisumu Primary School before furthering his studies at Kisumu Boys High School.
Business
In the early 1970s, Khan ventured into the hardware business, establishing Shabana Hardware and General Stores in Kisii.
The hardware store, which shared its name with the future football club, became a cornerstone of Khan’s entrepreneurial endeavours.
Shabana FC’s origins can be traced back to a youth team initially known as Olympic.
Under Dogo Khan’s guidance and with his financial backing, the team developed and evolved, eventually taking on the name Shabana.
Thanks to Dogo Khan’s guidance and financial support, Shabana FC steadily rose in prominence, leaving an indelible mark on Kenyan football.
Throughout the years, he has nurtured numerous legends in the Kenyan football arena, including Henry Motego, the late Yabesh Nyandoro, and Mike Okoth, whose education he generously sponsored at Itiero Boys High School.
Dogo Khan’s remarkable contributions have earned him various accolades.
Notably, he received a Head of State recommendation during the late President Moi’s regime.
Additionally, the late President awarded him The Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.) and bestowed upon him a cash prize of Ksh3 million as a recognition of his accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Dogo Khan made a noticeable return to the public eye after years of absence from the stadium.
He was spotted during Shabana’s last match in the National Super League against Kisumu All Stars, which they won by 2 goals to nil.
A video captured him celebrating Shabana’s victory, marking their return to Kenya’s top-tier league after a long absence.
He was also captured in a photo, awaiting the moment to present Shabana with medals after their victory and trophy win.
