Kibera Black Stars coach Idd Badi follows proceedings against Gucha Stars/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Kibera Black Stars coach Idd Badi has hailed the impact of new signings in their win against Soy United in the National Super League (NSL).

The new signings, goalkeeper Evans Omondi from Mara Sugar, forwards Joshua Melo from NSL rivals Darajani Gogo, and the former Mathare United duo Donald Ange and Glen Odhiambo, played key roles in the 1-0 win, ending their opponents' seven-game unbeaten run.

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However, of the new players, only Omondi was a starter at Gems Cambridge College in Nairobi.

“When we introduced them in the second half, they upped the tempo of the game and enhanced our attacking options, leading to the goal which we scored through a set piece,” noted Badi.

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Donald Omwanda scored the all-important goal in the dying minutes of the game. He said the win is a big motivation for the SportPesa League promotion-chasing team. Black Stars moved to seventh on the log with 30 points from 20 games.

“We are still in the race for promotion to the top-tier league. Starting the second leg with a win and against a stubborn opponent like Soy United clearly demonstrates our intentions,” noted the tactician.

 “We sat down with the management and players, and agreed on what we expect in the second leg. We are ready to fight all the way. We have a favourable fixture because most of the games will be in Nairobi.”

 “Soy United is a good team, one of the best teams in the NSL. They did good business in the mid-season transfer window,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the tactician welcomed the appointment of Tom Juma as one of his assistants.

“Juma will add value to the team. Having played for the national team and coached various teams in the country, he will contribute a lot to our team,” remarked coach Badi.

Badi now targets adding six more points when they face their next opponents, Equity Bank next weekend and Kabati Youth.  Elsewhere, FC Talanta thrashed Vihiga United 3-1 while Naivas and Equity Bank FC battled to a 1-1 draw.