Western Stima coach Salim Babu has been named the September Fidelity Insurance coach of the month. The 2006 league winner as Sony Sugar player bags his second career monthly award following since delving into top-flight coaching.
During the month, Stima who alongside Gor Mahia remain unbeaten in the 2019-2020 Kenyan Premier League season bagged eight points from four matches despite starting life without the services of seasoned centre half Maurice Ojwang’ and Kennedy Otieno who all joined the latter.
“I am elated with the recognition from SJAK and their partner Fidelity Insurance.The award is a motivation to me as I seek to finish the season unbeaten. I am hopeful that we can finish within the top eight bracket in the first leg even though we are not title favorite.I have the required depth to navigate through the season,” he said after receiving his award in Kisumu
“The boys have been working hard in the past seven rounds and we are looking to carry the fighting spirit for our next match against Bandari,” an elated Babu offered
The powermen hit the ground running with a two all draw against Kariobangi Sharks at the Kenyatta Stadium Machakos, equalising at death from the spot to secure a point.
Fortunes were not on their side in the subsequent match as they were frustrated to a barren draw at home by league returnees Wazito.
However,they found their winning instincts in the third match, humbling Posta Rangers 1-0 in Machakos.Stima wrapped the month with a sweet 2-1 triumph over debutants and neighbours Kisumu All Stars.
Babu,who took over the reigns in April after his predecessor Paul Ogai resigned becomes the first tactician to be feted with the award this season.
In a poll conducted by the SJAK football commission,Babu narrowly floored the trio of Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala, Tusker’s Robert Matano and AFC Leopards’ Andre Mbungo who all tied on seven points.
The former player doubles his coach of the month award as he was decorated in June 2016 during his stay at Sony Sugar