Revealed: Why Police boss Francis Baraza recruited Nzoia Sugar coach Salim Babu as assistant

Photo Credit: Nzoia Sugar

FKFPL Revealed: Why Police boss Francis Baraza recruited Nzoia Sugar coach Salim Babu as assistant

Mark Kinyanjui 15:11 - 19.07.2023

Babu sensationally decided to take up the assistant coach role at ‘Police-Saint Germain’ after leading Nzoia Sugar to a surprise title charge last season.

Kenya Police head coach Francis Baraza has revealed why he added Salim Babu to his coaching staff at the club a fortnight ago.

Babu did a tremendous job as Nzoia Sugar's head coach, leading them from the jaws of relegation to a surprise title challenge last season, where the Millers were able to finish fourth on 64 points, just six behind title winners Nzoia Sugar in June.

After his impressive spell in charge of the team, many were expecting him to take a head coach role at another club or stay at the Millers to help them win the title next time around.

It, therefore, came as a surprise when he sensationally decided to take up the assistant coach role at ‘Police-Saint Germain’, a club that has earned that nickname due to their recent spending spree on the who-is-who of Kenyan football.

Baraza has revealed how he convinced Babu to take up a number two role with the Law Enforcers

Salim Babu is a coach I know very well. When I was at Sony Sugar, we played in the same team together. 

When I became a coach at the club, I won the league before I left, and I left him there as a player and he is a coach I know a lot. When I knocked on his door, thankfully he opened it and accepted the opportunity to come and work as my assistant coach.

I know him very well. He has no ill intentions, is God-fearing, and works very hard at everything he does. He is there to learn," Baraza told Pulse Sports

Baraza has revealed how some of the best coaches in the country, including current Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo were able to learn under his tutelage.

Very few coaches who have worked with me have gone on to be successful. The Kakamega Homeboyz head coach (Patrick Odhiambo) is someone who learnt under me and I am so proud of him. The club’s goalkeeping coach as well is someone who also learnt under me. 

The former APS Bomet head coach (Benedict) Wanjala is also another that I helped learn his ropes in management. I, therefore, have no problems with Salim. Should I leave the club, Salim will also be able to do that job, and much better for that matter," he added. 

Police have been tipped by many to be favorites to win next season’s FKF Premier League title.