Coach Babu confident Nairobi City Stars will evade the dreaded relegation axe

Nairobi City Stars head coach Salim Babu is optimistic his team will fight viciously to ward off relegation threats and retain their spot in the top-tier league – the Kenyan Premier League.

Currently placed 16th place on the KPL table with 17 points—just one point above bottom-placed Bidco United—City Stars have faced a difficult season, with many labeling it their worst yet.

The “Simba Wa Nairobi” have only secured 4 wins, drawn 5, and lost 9 matches so far. Their most recent victory came on December 7, 2024, when they triumphed 1-0 over Murang’a Seal.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Coach Salim Babu expressed his belief that the team is capable of jumping out of the relegation zone.

"It’s too early to start worrying," Babu said. "Based on the recent performances of our players, I’m confident that we’ll be out of that zone soon. I truly believe we don’t belong there."

City Stars suffered another defeat last Sunday in Mombasa, falling 1-0 to Bandari FC at Mbaraki Stadium.

With the 2024-2025 mid-season transfer window set to open from January 31 to February 28, 2025, Coach Babu reassured fans that the club is not looking to make signings. Instead, they aim to keep hold of their current players and avoid any departures.

"We have a solid group of young and capable players," he stated. "Bringing in new recruits would set us back, so we’ll focus on retaining the players we have. I’m confident that we’ll soon leave the relegation zone."

Nairobi City Stars will face another tough challenge this Sunday when they host AFC Leopards.