Babu cautious in transfer market as Migori Youth prepare for top-flight debut

Newly appointed Migori Youth coach Salim Babu during a training session/Migori Youth

Newly appointed Migori Youth head coach Salim Babu says the club will take a measured approach in the transfer market as they prepare for their maiden SportPesa Premier League campaign.

Babu revealed that the club plans to recruit between six and 10 players during the current transfer window but insisted there will be no rush to complete deals. “We don’t want to make mistakes by signing players in a hurry. We want to take our time so that we get players who will help us,” said Babu.

The former Kenya Police and Nairobi City Stars coach, who took charge two weeks ago, said the club is targeting experienced recruits to complement the squad that secured promotion.

Sammy Owano, who guided Migori Youth to the National Super League title, has been retained as Babu’s assistant. The tactician disclosed that 19 players from last season’s title-winning squad have been retained.

“We want to have a team of at least 26 players for our SportPesa Premier League debut. I want to strengthen all departments because most of our players don’t have top-flight experience,” he said.

Despite the excitement surrounding the club’s historic promotion, Babu said survival will be the team’s primary objective.

“We have had a one-week pre-season and the mood in the camp is great. The boys are looking forward to playing in the top tier. It is a tough league, but our main aim will be to avoid relegation and finish in a respectable position,” he noted.

Babu admitted the departure of last season’s top scorer Syphas Otieno to Nairobi United was a significant setback.

“The departure of Syphas is a big blow to us, but we wish him well at Nairobi United,” he said. The club has also lost utility player Samuel Maiko, who has returned to parent club Shabana after his loan spell.

Migori Youth recently received a major boost after President William Ruto awarded the club Sh10 million and a team bus to ease transport challenges ahead of their debut season.

Babu brings a wealth of coaching experience, having previously managed Sony Sugar, Western Stima, Kisumu All Stars, Nzoia Sugar, Wazito, Kenya Police and Nairobi City Stars.

He has also coached Kenya’s Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. Migori Youth earned promotion alongside 3K FC and Mombasa United.

However, their elevation to the top flight remains on hold after the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspended promotion and relegation pending the determination of cases challenging the process.