We can challenge for titles, says Sony Sugar boss Salim Babu
Salim Babu gestures during a past league match.
What you need to know:
- Babu, who replaced Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno in the second leg of the season, believes his charges have what it takes to claim one of the Cup competitions.
- The tournament is expected to have a new champion after title holders Sofapaka were bundled out in the round of 32.
Sony Sugar head coach Salim Babu is confident of winning a trophy this season.
Babu, who replaced Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno in the second leg of the season, believes his charges have what it takes to claim one of the Cup competitions.
The millers, who have lost only once since Babu took over, are still in contention of two titles: the KPL Top 8 and GOtv Shield Cup.
Sony upstaged Ulinzi Stars a fortnight ago on post-match penalties to sail through to the Top 8 semis where they face Sofapaka and are also in the GOtv Shield Cup last 16 after Football Kenya Federation Premier League outfit Zoo Kericho and Thika United failed to honour their matches in the previous rounds.
“I am happy with our performance in recent matches. Our approach to matches has yielded good results. We will carry the same mentality against our next opponents (West Kenya) as we gear up for the next round of the tournament,” Babu told Daily Nation Sport.
However, Sony face a side that has equally registered good performance in the second tier and Shield Cup ahead of Saturday clash.
Sony have some injury concerns as Amos Asembeka and Justin Monda are yet to resume training after picking up knocks in their weekend win over Thika United in the Kenyan Premier League.
“We are still monitoring the two who are yet to return for training since picking up injuries in the Thika United match,” said Babu.
West Kenya, who reached the semis last year, booked a date with Sony in the round 16 of the tournament after narrowly edging out Modern Coast 4-3 through post-match penalties.
WARNED SONY
West Kenya coach Eliud Omukuyia has warned the Millers to expect a grueling contest when the two sides clash on Saturday.
“It will be tough facing a top tier side but that doesn’t mean we are underdogs. We acknowledge their current run they have put up but we will not face them with fear. We focus on the next round,” Omukuyia said.
The tournament is expected to have a new champion after title holders Sofapaka were bundled out in the round of 32.
