Should David Obasanjo Be Our New Number One, or Is Lazarazu Bixinte the Right Choice?

We all knew replacing Stephen Ochieng would never be easy. His departure has left more than just an empty spot between the posts, it has left supporters asking one important question: who should now wear the gloves as Shabana FC's first-choice goalkeeper?

With David Obasanjo already part of the squad and the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Lazarazu Bixinte from Posta Rangers, the competition for the number one jersey has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the new FKF Premier League season.

David Obasanjo joined us from Kisumu All Stars ahead of the 2025/26 campaign with a growing reputation as a commanding goalkeeper blessed with quick reflexes and confidence inside the penalty area. Although supporters have not seen enough of him in competitive matches to fully judge what he can offer over a full season, his presence has always hinted at a goalkeeper ready for a bigger opportunity.

Now, with Ochieng gone, many of us naturally wonder whether this is finally David's moment.

The truth is, football rarely rewards patience unless a player is prepared when the opportunity arrives. Obasanjo has spent time learning the environment at Gusii Stadium, understanding the expectations that come with wearing the Shabana badge and working alongside experienced teammates. Those are valuable experiences that cannot be overlooked.

At the same time, the club's decision to sign Lazarazu Bixinte tells its own story.

Bixinte arrives from Posta Rangers with valuable FKF Premier League experience, something that could prove important as we prepare for another demanding campaign. He knows the league, understands the pressure of top-flight football and brings the kind of competition that every successful club needs.

That does not necessarily mean he walks straight into the starting eleven.

Competition should never be viewed as a problem. In fact, it is exactly what supporters have been asking for. Last season reminded us how important squad depth can be when injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion begin to test every position.

For us as supporters, the most encouraging part is that neither goalkeeper should feel guaranteed of the jersey. The number one shirt should belong to the player who performs best in training, communicates confidently with the defence and consistently delivers on match day.

If David Obasanjo rises to that challenge, there is every reason to believe he can become our long-term first-choice goalkeeper. He has the attributes to build his own story in Shabana colours, but potential alone will not be enough. He must seize the opportunity.

If Lazarazu Bixinte proves to be the more reliable option through experience and performances, then he equally deserves to start. At the end of the day, every supporter wants the same thing, not individual victories, but victories for Shabana FC.

Perhaps that is the biggest positive to take from this situation. Instead of worrying about who replaces Stephen Ochieng, we now have two capable goalkeepers competing to protect our goal.

The debate over who should start is likely to continue until the first team sheet is released. Until then, both David Obasanjo and Lazarazu Bixinte have the same mission: prove they are the right man to lead us from the back.

As supporters, we back whoever earns that responsibility because the badge will always come first. We'll be watching closely as the battle unfolds.

We'll continue bringing you every update as our journey continues.