F.C. Kariobangi Sharks

F.C. Kariobangi Sharks, commonly known as Sharks or K. Sharks, is a Kenyan professional football club that rose over time from humble beginnings in Nairobi, to feature in Kenya's top league, the FKF Premier League, since the year 2017.[1][2]

Kariobangi Sharks
Full nameKariobangi Sharks
Nickname(s)
  • K. Sharks
  • Wapakaji
  • Sharkmen
Short nameSharks
Founded2000 (2000)
GroundUtalii Sports Ground
Nairobi, Kenya
Capacity5,000
OwnerNick Mwendwa
ChairmanRobert Maoga
Head coachWilliam Muluya
LeagueFKF Premier League
2022–2311th
WebsiteClub website

History

Kariobangi Sharks was founded in the year 2000 and started in the lower divisions of the Nairobi league. The club offered an escape route[3] for the youth living around the area considered a crime hot spot.[4]

The club came to life after a young man by the name Nick Mwendwa tracked a set of young players who leisurely passed time at the basketball court of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kariobangi mostly after school going hours and during the weekends.[5]

He offered them guidance and assistance through his savings to provide the bare necessities such as balls and boots. He then started training them every weekend. The team started out as Kariobangi Sportive, but after a few years rebranded to be known as Kariobangi Sharks FC.

After playing in local tournaments for some time, the team was finally registered to make them eligible of playing in the lowest tier in the country starting with Nairobi County League.

As has been the norm from its early days, Sharks is known for bringing unknown players to light[6] by handing them vital playtime at the topmost level.[7][8]

The team trains at Utalii College where the management has signed a memorandum of understanding with the school to allow them to use the grounds while upgrading the facilities. The clubs' traditional colors are yellow and green with either kit being worn with socks of the same color.

Promotions

A few years after inception, the team scaled upward from Division II which was the lowest national football tier. In 2011 the club was promoted to the KFF Nationwide League and finished fourth on their first attempt in Kenya's second-tier league. The team had a fair chance of promotion while featuring at the same level the next year in what had been rebranded to the 2012 FKF Division One. But after topping the standings for a better part of the first leg,[9] the team dipped in the second half and ended up seventh.

Sharks were to give promotion another shot in 2013 while featuring in the FKF Div One-Gr 2[10] but were to contend with a fourth-place finish. The attempts continued through the 2014 Kenyan National Super League and 2015 seasons, and it is toward the end of the 2016 season that the team earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League after beating Nzoia Sugar F.C. 1–0 in the final game on 10 Dec in Sudi Stadium.[11][12] Patilah Omoto, a Shark's homegrown player, and captain, scored the lone goal that guaranteed elevation.

Sharks made its Kenyan Premier League debut against 15-time champions Gor Mahia F.C. in Thika Stadium on Sunday 12 Mar 2017 but had a false start losing the game 3–1.[13] Ugandan forward Mathew Tayo Odongo scored a consolation in added time to become the first Shark's player to score in the premier league.[14]

The team went on to lose the next two games to Muhoroni Youth and Ulinzi Stars by identical 1-0 losses. Their first-ever premier league win was a 2–0 away triumph over Nzoia Sugar in Sudi Stadium on 9 April 2017 after second-half goals by Bolton Omwenga, and Patilah Omoto,[15] and followed it up with a win over Nakumatt FC.[16] The first draw as a 1–1 tie away to Chemelil Sugar on 29 April 2017.

Club achievements

At the end of their debut top-flight season, K. Sharks was placed third with 55 points,[17] and produced the league's top scorer Masoud Juma who scored 17 goals,[18][19] and the league top goalkeeper John Oyemba who kept 16 clean sheets. Coach William Muluya was voted as the coach of the year,[20] while midfielder Sven Yida was nominated among the league's New Player of the Year.

The team was placed sixth the next season, and once again produced the league's top scorer in Erick Kapaito with 16 goals.[21] He was also named the New Player of the year, the league's Most Valuable Player,[22] and emerged runners-up in the Fair Play category.

Shark again produced the top scorer in the 2020/21 premier league season in Kapaito who scored 24 goals,[23] and went on to win the player of the year award.[24]

Domestic cup & trophies

In the year 2017, K. Sharks made it to the final of the GOtv Shield Cup but had to settle for silver after losing 2–0 to A.F.C. Leopards in the final.[25][26]

"I will not single out one player to congratulate, this was teamwork and it won us the game. Everyone gave his best from the first whistle, and even when we were down, the spirit was amazing. It is what we wanted and have worked hard for it, I am delighted."

Coach William Muluya after Kariobangi Sharks overpowered Sofapaka in Shield Cup final on 20 Oct 2018.[27]

In the year 2018, K. Sharks returned to the final of the FKF President's Cup, known as 2018 FKF SportPesa Shield due to sponsorship purposes, and were crowned champions[28] after seeing off Sofapaka FC 3–2 in the final with a brace from Ugandan striker George Abege and a goal from Sydney Lokale.

The team got to the Cup final for the third straight year in a row in 2019 but lost their title after going down 3–1 to Bandari FC[29] in a rain derailed final that saw the two halves played on separate days.[30]

On 3 December 2018, Sharks scooped the Kenyan Super Cup by seeing off league champions Gor Mahia F.C. 1–0.[31]

On 27 Jan 2019, Sharks claimed the SportPesa Cup title[32] after taking down Kenyan counterparts Bandari 1–0 in Dar es Salaam. The team earned a Kshs 3 million prize purse, and a chance to play English Premier League side Everton F.C. and went on to beat them on post-match penalties to win the SportPesa Trophy[33][34] in July 2019.

Continental football

In late 2018, Sharks featured in continental football[35] for the first time ever[36] after being presented to represent Kenya[37] by virtue of winning the domestic Cup in October 2018. The team featured in the 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup qualifying rounds starting in the preliminary rounds against Djibouti's Arta/Solar7.

K. Sharks first hosted the Djibouti side at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on 27 Nov 2018, and went on to register a memorable 6–1 win.[38][39] Duke Abuya scored the opener in the second minute to become the club's first scorer of a continental goal. The team went on to win the reverse tie 3–0 to proceed to the 1st round proper with a 9-1 aggregate score.

They did not proceed past the next stage after being held to a 0–0 draw[40] at home on 15 Dec 2018 by Ghana's Asante Kotoko who went on to win the reverse tie 2-1[41] in Kumasi.

Performance in CAF competitions

Continental appearances

2018-19 – First Round

Continental results

Season Competition Round Country Club Score
2018–19 Confederation Cup Preliminary Round  Burundi Arta/Solar7 6-1,0-3
First Round  Ghana Asante Kotoko 0-0,2-1

Records

Type Nat Name Record
Most Trophies Won - Coach Kenya William Muluya 4
Most league goals Kenya Erick Kapaito 51
Most capped player Kenya Osborne Monday 27
Most league goals in a season Kenya Erick Kapaito 24[42]
Longest unbeaten run Kenya 2016 NSL 29
Record victory Kenya vs Kisumu All Stars
vs Muhoroni Youth
8–1[43]
7-0[44]
Record defeat Kenya vs Kakamega Homeboyz 6–1[45]
Inter-record victory Burundi vs AS Arta/Solar7 6-1[46]

Premier League records

Season Pos Record
PWDLFAGDCSPts
20173 34 13 13 8 42 26 16 16 52
20186 34 13 12 9 48 40 8 10 51
2018–199 34 10 15 9 40 37 3 11 45
2019-2012 22 4 8 10 27 32 -5 7 20
2020-215 32 14 6 12 45 42 3 11 48
2021-2210 34 12 9 13 44 39 5 10 45
2022-2311 34 10 11 13 46 46 0 5 41
Total 224 76 74 74 292 262 32 70 302

Second tier League records

Season Pos Record
PWDLFAGDCSPts
20113 28 19 6 3 53 19 34 63
20127 37 16 9 12 51 42 9 14 57
20134 22 11 5 6 36 25 11 7 38
20148 22 5 9 8 19 25 -6 9 24
20154 38 18 8 5 44 21 23 16 62
20162 38 24 11 3 58 21 37 21 83
Total 185 91 48 37 261 153 97 60 289

CS - Clean Sheet

Domestic Cup

SeasonRoundOppositionScore
2013ThirdKaruturi Sports1(8)-1(7)
2014SecondNyakach United0(4)-0(2)
2015FirstKenya Police3-2
2016SemisUlinzi Stars4-1[47]
2017FinalAFC Leopards2-0[48]
2018ChampionsSofapaka3-2[49]
2019FinalBandari3-1[50]
2020PreliminaryNaivas FC3-0[51]
2021QuartersGor Mahia2-0 [52]
2022Not played
2023QuartersHomeboyz1-6[53]

Honors

Silver Runners-up (1): 2016[54]
Silver Runners-up (2): 2017,[55] 2019[56]
Gold Champion (1): 2018[57][58]
Gold Champion (1): 2018/19[59]
Gold Champion (1): 2019[60]
  • SportPesa Trophy
Gold Champion (1): 2019[61]

Management and staff

Position Nat. Name
Owner Kenya Nick Mwendwa
Chairman Kenya Robert Maoga
CEO Kenya Lynda Ambiyo

Technical team

Position Nat. Name
Head Coach Kenya William Muluya
Assistant Coach Kenya Edward Seda
Goalkeeper Coach Kenya Jerim Onyango
Head of Medical Kenya John Kemboi
Team Manager Kenya Mathew Sam
Media Liaison Kenya Allan Netia
Kit Manager Kenya Paul Otieno
Analyst Kenya Josh Angatia
Video Analyst Kenya Enock Muuwo

Past coaches

  • Kenya Ayub Inziani
  • Kenya Leonard Odipo
  • Kenya Bernard Ndolo (July 2009 - 2012)
  • Kenya Stanley Okumbi (2012-Nov 2014)
  • Kenya Michael Amenga (Nov 2014-June 2016)
  • Kenya William Muluya (Jun 2016-to date)

Youth Team coaches

  • Kenya Beldine Odemba
  • Kenya David Mbugua
  • Kenya Benard Kawinzi
  • Kenya Geofrey Wangalwa

Players

As of 6 June 2023

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Kenya KEN John Otieno
2 DF South Sudan SSD Ghai Panchol
3 DF Kenya KEN Frederick Alushula
4 DF Kenya KEN Collins Obanda
5 MF Kenya KEN Isaac Wasambo
6 DF Kenya KEN Steve Omollo
7 FW Kenya KEN Sharrif Musa
8 MF Kenya KEN Biko Omollo
10 FW Kenya KEN Fortune Omotto
11 FW Kenya KEN Geoffrey Onyango
12 FW Kenya KEN Humphrey Omondi
13 DF Kenya KEN Kevin Musamali
14 DF Kenya KEN Timothy Ekhavi
15 MF Kenya KEN Biron Otieno
No. Pos. Nation Player
16 GK Kenya KEN Gedion Ogweno
17 MF Kenya KEN Sigmunn Maina
18 FW Kenya KEN Tyson Otieno
19 MF Kenya KEN Paul Odhiambo
20 MF Kenya KEN Mathew Kibiwott
21 MF Kenya KEN Leonlevitt Osiago
22 FW Kenya KEN Julius Masaba
23 MF Kenya KEN Keith Imbali
25 DF Kenya KEN Kevin Luke Otiala
26 FW Kenya KEN Moses Shikanda
28 FW Kenya KEN Patrick Ngunyi
29 DF Kenya KEN Zablon Kutela
30 FW Kenya KEN Kevin Ouru
40 GK Kenya KEN Sebastian Wekesa

Notable past players

Top scorers per season

Top scorers per season. * Award shared during that season

Year Player Goals
*2012 Kenya Meshack Karani 8
*2012 Kenya Vincent Odongo 8
2013 Kenya Samuel Muringu 8
2014 Kenya Francis Nambute 3
*2015 Kenya Ibrahim Kitawi 7
*2015 Kenya Rodgers Omondi 7
2016 Kenya Ibrahim Kitawi 12
2017 Kenya Masoud Juma 17
2018 Kenya Erick Kapaito 16
2018-19 Kenya Erick Kapaito 9
*2019-20 Kenya Duke Abuya 3
*2019-20 Kenya Sydney Lokale 3
*2019-20 Kenya Patrick Otieno 3
2020-21 Kenya Erick Kapaito 24
2021-22 Kenya Felix Oluoch 12
2022-23 Kenya Tyson Otieno 9

Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer

References

  1. Citizen, 10 Dec 2016 Sharks defy Nzoia to bask in KPL promotion glory
  2. Nation, 10 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks silence Nzoia to earn promotion
  3. The-Star, 16 Mar 2019 Kariobangi Sharks players a beacon of hope and valid dreams in crime-prone slum
  4. The-Star, 17 Jul 2019 How team with quirky goal celebrations lifted youth from crime to world-beaters
  5. SportPesa News, 11 Jun 2019 The Rise Of Kariobangi Sharks From The Ghetto To Glory
  6. Michezoafrika, 27 Jan 2013 Sharks to stick to talent development philosophy
  7. Mozzart Sport, 20 Jul 2022 Kariobangi Sharks sign seventeen youngsters to replace voids left by fleeing seniors
  8. Capital News, 8 Mar 2023 Sharks’ Coach Muluya Keen To Turn Youngsters Into Title Challengers In Two Years
  9. Michezo Afrika, 24 Jul 2012 Sharks keeping cool with Promotion in mind
  10. Michezo Afrika, 24 Jan 2013 Sharks recharged to give promotion another try
  11. Capital FM, 9 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks To Throw All At Nzoia For Promotion Guarantee
  12. Nation, 10 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks silence Nzoia to earn promotion
  13. Goal, 12 Mar 2017 K.Sharks 1-3 Gor Mahia: K’Ogalo swallow Sharks in KPL opener
  14. Standard, 13 Mar 2017 GOR FRY SHARKS: Kariobangi lose their first ever top-flight match in KPL
  15. Goal, 9 Apr 2017 Kariobangi Sharks register first win of the season
  16. Nation, 17 Apr 2017 Sub Masoud hands Sharks tight win over Nakumatt
  17. Goal, 12 Oct 2017 KPL debutants, Kariobangi Sharks now target top three finish
  18. Goal, 18 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks striker tops the chart
  19. Goal, 11 Dec 2017 Kariobangi Sharks striker leads nominees for awards
  20. Futaa, 12 Jan 2018 Awards: Muluya named 2017 KPL coach of the year
  21. Nation, 8 Oct 2018 16-goal Sharks striker wins golden boot on final day
  22. Goal, 25 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks' forward Erick Kapaito crowned 2018 KPL Most Valuable Player
  23. Goal, 23 Aug 2021 Kapaito: Kariobangi Sharks forward claims FKF Golden Boot award
  24. CAFOnline, 15 Ssep 2021 Kariobangi Sharks forward Kapaito named FKF Premier League MVP
  25. Standard, 20 Oct 2017 AFC Leopards beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 to reclaim GOtv Shield title
  26. Citizen, 20 Oct 2017 Leopard's Turn The Tide Against Sharks To Win GOtv Shield
  27. Goal, 21 Oct 2018 William Muluya: Why Kariobangi Sharks overpowered Sofapaka in Shield Cup final
  28. Citizen, 20 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks Crowned Shield Champions
  29. Capital FM, 2 Jun 2019 Bandari Hit Holders Sharks Clinch Shield Title
  30. Capital News, 1 Jun 2019 Sharks, Bandari FKF Shield Final Rained Off
  31. CafOnline, 4 Dec 2018 Kariobangi Sharks beat Gor to Kenya's Super Cup
  32. The-Star, 3 Dec 2018 Sharks maul Gor: Simale's lone goal hands Kariobangi side maiden Super Cup title
  33. Give Me Sport, 28 Dec 202 Kenyan side's epic showboating vs Everton in 2019 remembered
  34. Capital FM, 7 Jul 2019 Bwire Stars As Sharks Beat Everton In Nairobi
  35. Nation, 22 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks look to swim far in Confederation Cup
  36. Goal, 26 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks upbeat ahead of Caf Confederation Cup debut
  37. Xinhuanet, 21 Oct 2018 Sharks to represent Kenya at CAF Confed Cup after domestic trophy win
  38. Michezo Afrika, 28 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks maul Djibouti’s Solar in Confed Cup debut
  39. The International News, 29 Nov 2018 Sharks score six in CAF Confed Cup debut
  40. FKF, 15 Dec 2018 CAF Confederations Cup: Kariobangi Sharks held by Kotoko
  41. Goal, 23 Dec 2018 Caf Confederation Cup: Asante Kotoko 2-1 Kariobangi Sharks (Agg: 2-1): Five things we learnt
  42. Standard, 13 Aug 2021 FKF Premier League: Top scorer Kapaito reaches 24 goals as Sharks bounce back
  43. Nation, 2 Feb 2020 Kariobangi Sharks hit All Stars for eight
  44. Capital News, 4 Nov 2017 Sharks Demolish Troubled Muhoroni 7-0
  45. Mozzart Sport, 30 Apr 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup: Kakamega Homeboyz pump half a dozen past hapless Sharks to book semis spot
  46. The-Star, 27 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks clear first hurdle in Caf Confed Cup campaign
  47. Standard, 2 Oct 2016 Soldiers fish out Sharks in semis as Tusker open account at KCB to book date in GOtv final
  48. Daily Sport, 20 Oct 2017 Gotv Shield: AFC Leopards beat Kariobangi Sharks in final
  49. Capital News, 20 Oct 2018 Abege Winner Hands Sharks FKF Shield Title
  50. Goal, 2 Jul 2019 Bandari: Dockers beat Sharks to book Caf Confederation Cup slot
  51. Goal, 18 Jan 2020 Naivas FC knock Kariobangi Sharks U20 out of FKF Shield Cup
  52. Capital News, 10 Jun 2021 Gor Hunt Down Sharks To Book Bidco In FKF Betway Cup Semis
  53. Pepeta, 30 Apr 2023 FKF Cup: Homeboyz whitewash Sharks to storm into semis
  54. Michezo Afrika, 14 Dec 2016 Nzoia crowned NSL champions as Kariobangi Sharks earns promotion
  55. Capital News, 20 Oct 2017 AFC Beat Sharks To Lift 2017 GOtv Shield Title
  56. Nation, 2 Jun 2019 Bandari edge Sharks to win SPortPesa Shield
  57. Nation, 20 Oct 2018 Abege powers Kariobangi Sharks to SportPesa Shield glory
  58. Goal, 20 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks 3-2 Sofapaka: The Sharks swallow Batoto ba Mungu to clinch title
  59. CAFOnline, 4 Dec 2018 Kariobangi Sharks beat Gor to Kenya’s Super Cup
  60. Nation,27 Jan 2019 Kariobangi Sharks are SportPesa Cup champions!
  61. Sports Brief, 7 Jul 2019 Kariobangi Sharks vs Everton: Sharks stun Everton in historic clash to lift SportPesa trophy
  62. Goal, 14 Mar 2017 Kariobangi Sharks unveil new jersey for season 2017
  63. Business Today, 21 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks Land Betway as Shirt Sponsors
  64. Nation, 21 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks unveil multi-million shirt sponsor
  65. Standard, 12 Dec 2020 Kariobangi Sharks and Betway renew shirt sponsorship deal
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