Migori Youth head coach Salim Babu/HANDOUT Migori Youth coach Salim Babu is targeting a strong start to the SportPesa League as the promoted side prepares to test itself against top-flight opposition for the first time.
They open their campaign at home to Kenya Police FC, with the fixture expected to revive top-flight football in Migori county.
Migori earned promotion after winning the National Super League, collecting 81 points from 38 matches.
Babu believes their pre-season programme has given the players a taste of the demands that await them.
Their biggest test came in the Green Legacy Cup at Nyayo Stadium, where Migori Youth stunned reigning champions Gor Mahia by taking a 2-0 lead through Dennis Oguta and Philemon Nyakwaka. Gor fought back to force a 2-2 draw before winning 4-3 on penalties.
Despite surrendering their lead, Babu was pleased with the confidence his players gained from facing established top-flight opposition.
“It was a good training match against a big team with many fans, giving our players valuable experience of what to expect in the league,” Babu said.
The former Kenya Police and Nairobi City Stars coach wants his players to learn from the lapses that allowed Gor back into the contest, particularly their loss of concentration.
“We now have a better understanding of what we want to do and the areas that need strengthening, including our loss of concentration, which led to us conceding the two goals. Hopefully, we will address that before the league begins,” he said.
Migori Youth also beat Kariobangi Legends 3-1, with Elly Owande, Nyakwaka and Victor Juma scoring, before edging Gucha Youth 1-0 at Homa Bay Stadium through Nehemiah Onchiri.
Babu has strengthened the squad with a blend of youth and top-flight experience. they brought in Christopher Koloti, Vincent Mulama, Nehemiah Onchiri, Maxwell Odundo, Philemon Nyakwaka, Dennis Magio, Vincent Owino, Elly Owande, Francis Memusi, Stephen Opinya, Allan Otieno, Gedion Stephen Ogweno, Evans Omondi, David Odoyo, Clinton Okoth and Frederick Ngiela.
Meanwhile, Erick Okinyi, Syphus Otieno, Elvis Albert Otieno, Sebastian Okumu, Nigol Mohammed, Michael Ogembo, Prince Kouassi and David Onyango left the club during the August transfer window.
While a strong start is important, Babu’s main target is to ensure Migori Youth avoid a late relegation battle.
"We want to avoid fighting relegation in the final stages of the season. That is our objective and having started our preparations early, we believe our players are ready for the challenge,” Babu said.
He is confident the squad and technical bench have enough quality and experience to compete with more established sides.
“We are ready for the league. We have good players and a strong technical bench, with some of us experienced enough in this league,” he added.
The club has also received encouragement from its youth development programme, with Hamvin Okoth, Churchill Ombuor and Allan Otieno earning places in the final Kenya Rising Stars squad for the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers.
