F.C. Kariobangi Sharks

Kariobangi Sharks
Full nameKariobangi Sharks
Nickname(s)
  • K. Sharks
  • Wapakaji
  • The Sharkmen
Short nameSharks
Founded2000; 24 years ago (2000)
OwnerNick Mwendwa
ChairmanRobert Maoga
Head coachWilliam Muluya
LeagueFKF Premier League
2023–24KPL, 7th of 18

F.C. Kariobangi Sharks, commonly known as Sharks or K. Sharks, is a Kenyan professional football club. They 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]

History

[edit]

Kariobangi Sharks was founded in the year 2000 and started in the lower divisions of the Nairobi league. The club offered an escape[3] for the youth living around the area, which was 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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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]

K. Sharks made it to the semis of the 2024 domestic cup, dubbed MozzartBet Cup,[31] but missed out on a place in the final after falling to KCB FC on post match penalties at the Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Nairobi.[32]

Trophies

[edit]

On 3 December 2018, Sharks scooped the Kenyan Super Cup by seeing off league champions Gor Mahia F.C. 1–0.[33]

On 27 Jan 2019, Sharks claimed the SportPesa Cup title[34] after taking down Kenyan counterparts Bandari F.C. (Kenya) 1–0 in Dar es Salaam to earn Kshs 3 million in prize money.

In winning the SportPesa Cup, the team grabbed the chance to play English Premier League side Everton F.C. whom they went on to beat post-match penalties to win the SportPesa Trophy at a packed Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi in July 2019.[35][36]

Continental football

[edit]

In late 2018, Sharks featured in continental football[37] for the first time ever[38] after being presented to represent Kenya[39] 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.[40][41] 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[42] at home on 15 Dec 2018 by Ghana's Asante Kotoko who went on to win the reverse tie 2-1[43] in Kumasi.

Performance in CAF competitions

[edit]

Continental appearances

[edit]
2018-19 – First Round

Continental results

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

Records

[edit]
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[44]
Longest unbeaten run Kenya 2016 NSL 29
Record victory Kenya vs Kisumu All Stars
vs Muhoroni Youth
8–1[45]
7-0[46]
Record defeat Kenya vs Homeboyz 6–1[47]
Inter-record victory Burundi vs AS Arta/Solar7 6-1[48]

Premier League records

[edit]
Season Pos Record
P W D L F A GD CS Pts
2017 3 34 13 13 8 42 26 16 16 52
2018 6 34 13 12 9 48 40 8 10 51
2018–19 9 34 10 15 9 40 37 3 11 45
2019-20 12 22 4 8 10 27 32 -5 7 20
2020-21 5 32 14 6 12 45 42 3 11 48
2021-22 10 34 12 9 13 44 39 5 10 45
2022-23 11 34 10 11 13 46 46 0 5 41
2023-24 7 34 12 12 10 44 34 10 10 48
Total 258 88 86 84 336 306 32 80 350

Second tier League records

[edit]
Season Pos Record
P W D L F A GD CS Pts
2011 3 28 19 6 3 53 19 34 63
2012 7 37 16 9 12 51 42 9 14 57
2013 4 22 11 5 6 36 25 11 7 38
2014 8 22 5 9 8 19 25 -6 9 24
2015 4 38 18 8 5 44 21 23 16 62
2016 2 38 24 11 3 58 21 37 21 83
Total 185 91 48 37 261 153 97 60 289

CS - Clean Sheet

Season Round Opposition Score
2013 Third Karuturi Sports 1(8)-1(7)
2014 Second Nyakach United 0(4)-0(2)
2015 First Kenya Police 3–2
2016 Semis Ulinzi Stars 4-1[49]
2017 Final AFC Leopards 2-0[50]
2018 Champions Sofapaka 3-2[51]
2019 Final Bandari 3-1[52]
2020 Preliminary Naivas FC 3-0[53]
2021 Quarters Gor Mahia 2-0 [54]
2022 Not played
2023 Quarters Homeboyz 1-6[55]
2024 Semis KCB 1(4)-1(2)[56]

Honors

[edit]

Management and staff

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

Technical team

[edit]
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

[edit]

Youth Team coaches

[edit]

Players

[edit]
As of 28 May 2024

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 Kevin Ouru
2 DF South Sudan SSD Ghai Panchol
3 DF Kenya KEN Frederick Alushula
4 DF Kenya KEN Ian Karani
5 MF Kenya KEN Isaac Wasambo
6 DF Kenya KEN Biko Omollo
7 FW Kenya KEN Victor Ngume
8 MF Kenya KEN Andreas Odhiambo
9 FW Kenya KEN Eric Mmata
10 FW Kenya KEN Fortune Omotto
11 FW Kenya KEN Geoffrey Onyango
12 FW Kenya KEN Stanley Wilson
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 Bernard Jairo
17 MF Kenya KEN Sigmunn Maina
19 FW Kenya KEN Steve Mbulere
20 MF Kenya KEN Mathew Kibiwott
21 MF Kenya KEN Leonlevitt Osiago
22 FW Kenya KEN Julius Masaba
23 MF Kenya KEN Keith Imbali
24 FW Kenya KEN John Mark Makwatta
25 DF Kenya KEN Kevin Luke Otiala
26 FW Kenya KEN Moses Shikanda
27 MF Kenya KEN Lennox Kimani
28 FW Kenya KEN Patrick Ngunyi
32 DF Kenya KEN Zablon Kutela
40 GK Kenya KEN Sebastian Wekesa

Notable past players

[edit]

Top scorers per season

[edit]

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
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
Kenya Sydney Lokale 3
Kenya Patrick Otieno 3
2020-21 Kenya Erick Kapaito 24**
2021-22 Kenya Felix Oluoch 12
2022-23 Kenya Tyson Otieno 9
2023–24 Kenya John Mark Makwatta 16

**League top scorer

Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Citizen, 10 Dec 2016 Sharks defy Nzoia to bask in KPL promotion glory Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Nation, 10 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks silence Nzoia to earn promotion Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ The-Star, 16 Mar 2019 Kariobangi Sharks players a beacon of hope and valid dreams in crime-prone slum Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ The-Star, 17 Jul 2019 How team with quirky goal celebrations lifted youth from crime to world-beaters Archived 1 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ SportPesa News, 11 Jun 2019 The Rise Of Kariobangi Sharks From The Ghetto To Glory Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Michezoafrika, 27 Jan 2013 Sharks to stick to talent development philosophy Archived 10 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Mozzart Sport, 20 Jul 2022 Kariobangi Sharks sign seventeen youngsters to replace voids left by fleeing seniors Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Capital News, 8 Mar 2023 Sharks’ Coach Muluya Keen To Turn Youngsters Into Title Challengers In Two Years Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ Michezo Afrika, 24 Jul 2012 Sharks keeping cool with Promotion in mind Archived 10 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Michezo Afrika, 24 Jan 2013 Sharks recharged to give promotion another try Archived 10 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ Capital FM, 9 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks To Throw All At Nzoia For Promotion Guarantee Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Nation, 10 Dec 2016 Kariobangi Sharks silence Nzoia to earn promotion Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Goal, 12 Mar 2017 K.Sharks 1-3 Gor Mahia: K’Ogalo swallow Sharks in KPL opener Archived 8 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ Standard, 13 Mar 2017 GOR FRY SHARKS: Kariobangi lose their first ever top-flight match in KPL Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Goal, 9 Apr 2017 Kariobangi Sharks register first win of the season Archived 8 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Nation, 17 Apr 2017 Sub Masoud hands Sharks tight win over Nakumatt Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ Goal, 12 Oct 2017 KPL debutants, Kariobangi Sharks now target top three finish Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ Goal, 18 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks striker tops the chart Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ Goal, 11 Dec 2017 Kariobangi Sharks striker leads nominees for awards Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  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 Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ Goal, 25 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks' forward Erick Kapaito crowned 2018 KPL Most Valuable Player Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  23. ^ Goal, 23 Aug 2021 Kapaito: Kariobangi Sharks forward claims FKF Golden Boot award Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ CAFOnline, 15 Ssep 2021 Kariobangi Sharks forward Kapaito named FKF Premier League MVP Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ Standard, 20 Oct 2017 AFC Leopards beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 to reclaim GOtv Shield title Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  26. ^ Citizen, 20 Oct 2017 Leopard's Turn The Tide Against Sharks To Win GOtv Shield Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ^ Goal, 21 Oct 2018 William Muluya: Why Kariobangi Sharks overpowered Sofapaka in Shield Cup final Archived 17 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  28. ^ Citizen, 20 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks Crowned Shield Champions Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  29. ^ Capital FM, 2 Jun 2019 Bandari Hit Holders Sharks Clinch Shield Title Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  30. ^ Capital News, 1 Jun 2019 Sharks, Bandari FKF Shield Final Rained Off Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ FKF, 28 Apr 2024 Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards advance into the semi final of Mozzart Bet Cup Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ KBC, 26 May 2024 Mozzart Bet Cup: KCB through to final, abandoned AFC Vs Kenya Police match to be replayed Monday Archived 26 May 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ CafOnline, 4 Dec 2018 Kariobangi Sharks beat Gor to Kenya's Super Cup Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ The-Star, 3 Dec 2018 Sharks maul Gor: Simale's lone goal hands Kariobangi side maiden Super Cup title Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  35. ^ Give Me Sport, 28 Dec 202 Kenyan side's epic showboating vs Everton in 2019 remembered Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  36. ^ Capital FM, 7 Jul 2019 Bwire Stars As Sharks Beat Everton In Nairobi Archived 28 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  37. ^ Nation, 22 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks look to swim far in Confederation Cup Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  38. ^ Goal, 26 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks upbeat ahead of Caf Confederation Cup debut Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  39. ^ Xinhuanet, 21 Oct 2018 Sharks to represent Kenya at CAF Confed Cup after domestic trophy win Archived 13 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine
  40. ^ Michezo Afrika, 28 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks maul Djibouti’s Solar in Confed Cup debut Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  41. ^ The International News, 29 Nov 2018 Sharks score six in CAF Confed Cup debut Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  42. ^ FKF, 15 Dec 2018 CAF Confederations Cup: Kariobangi Sharks held by Kotoko Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  43. ^ Goal, 23 Dec 2018 Caf Confederation Cup: Asante Kotoko 2-1 Kariobangi Sharks (Agg: 2-1): Five things we learnt Archived 8 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ Standard, 13 Aug 2021 FKF Premier League: Top scorer Kapaito reaches 24 goals as Sharks bounce back Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  45. ^ Nation, 2 Feb 2020 Kariobangi Sharks hit All Stars for eight Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ^ Capital News, 4 Nov 2017 Sharks Demolish Troubled Muhoroni 7-0 Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  47. ^ Mozzart Sport, 30 Apr 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup: Kakamega Homeboyz pump half a dozen past hapless Sharks to book semis spot Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ^ The-Star, 27 Nov 2018 Kariobangi Sharks clear first hurdle in Caf Confed Cup campaign Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  49. ^ Standard, 2 Oct 2016 Soldiers fish out Sharks in semis as Tusker open account at KCB to book date in GOtv final Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  50. ^ Daily Sport, 20 Oct 2017 Gotv Shield: AFC Leopards beat Kariobangi Sharks in final[permanent dead link]
  51. ^ Capital News, 20 Oct 2018 Abege Winner Hands Sharks FKF Shield Title Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  52. ^ Goal, 2 Jul 2019 Bandari: Dockers beat Sharks to book Caf Confederation Cup slot Archived 12 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  53. ^ Goal, 18 Jan 2020 Naivas FC knock Kariobangi Sharks U20 out of FKF Shield Cup Archived 12 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  54. ^ Capital News, 10 Jun 2021 Gor Hunt Down Sharks To Book Bidco In FKF Betway Cup Semis Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  55. ^ Pepeta, 30 Apr 2023 FKF Cup: Homeboyz whitewash Sharks to storm into semis Archived 12 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  56. ^ Pepeta, 26 May 2024 MozzartBet Cup: KCB proceeds to final after beating Sharks Archived 28 May 2024 at the Wayback Machine
  57. ^ Michezo Afrika, 14 Dec 2016 Nzoia crowned NSL champions as Kariobangi Sharks earns promotion Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  58. ^ Capital News, 20 Oct 2017 AFC Beat Sharks To Lift 2017 GOtv Shield Title Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  59. ^ Nation, 2 Jun 2019 Bandari edge Sharks to win SPortPesa Shield Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  60. ^ Nation, 20 Oct 2018 Abege powers Kariobangi Sharks to SportPesa Shield glory Archived 17 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  61. ^ Goal, 20 Oct 2018 Kariobangi Sharks 3-2 Sofapaka: The Sharks swallow Batoto ba Mungu to clinch title Archived 17 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  62. ^ CAFOnline, 4 Dec 2018 Kariobangi Sharks beat Gor to Kenya's Super Cup Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  63. ^ Nation,27 Jan 2019 Kariobangi Sharks are SportPesa Cup champions! Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  64. ^ Sports Brief, 7 Jul 2019 Kariobangi Sharks vs Everton: Sharks stun Everton in historic clash to lift SportPesa trophy Archived 7 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  65. ^ Goal, 14 Mar 2017 Kariobangi Sharks unveil new jersey for season 2017 Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  66. ^ Business Today, 21 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks Land Betway as Shirt Sponsors Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  67. ^ Nation, 21 Nov 2019 Kariobangi Sharks unveil multi-million shirt sponsor Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
  68. ^ Standard, 12 Dec 2020 Kariobangi Sharks and Betway renew shirt sponsorship deal Archived 11 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine
[edit]