Stima Coach Babu hails new players as Western Stima win
Fredrick Likuyani
League side Western Stima head coach Salim Babu has showered praises on his new acquisitions who propelled the side to victory in a three -day six-team pre-season tournament in Kakamega at the weekend.
The lake-based side garnered 13 points to win the traditional pre-season event Chemelil won last, but failed to participate this season. The home side recorded four wins and a draw in a competition that had attracted recently-promoted top league sides Nzoia Sugar and Kisumu Allstars.
“It was a good experience and perfect preparations for the team before we kick off our league campaign in about two weeks’ time. I’m impressed with the players. However, we are not a 100 percent fit but we can polish up in the remaining days,’’ said Babu.
He singled out teen striker Benson Ochieng, acquired from Kisumu Day High School, and who found the back of the net four times; Lucas Waitera, who arrived from Chemelil Sugar as well as Augustino Kuta, who previously played for Nairobi Stima, as some of the players who will steer the team to greater heights.
“It’s not all about individual players but the entire team. We believe in team work as we anticipate a very competitive season ahead,” Babu said.
He added: “We want to kick off our campaign strongly and with the kind of preparations and support we have received from the management we stand a good chance of achieving this.”
Stima has also bolstered their technical bench by bringing back Hesborn Nyabinge as an assistant coach. Other players signed by the team include Ibrahim Ochieng from Manyatta FC, and Fedel Oringa from Kariobangi Sharks.
