Newly promoted National Super League side Mara Sugar head coach Steve Biko has warned rivals to brace up for tough times.
“When teams are promoted to the next level, their target is to maintain their status in the league. However, for us, we have bigger ambitions of spending just one season in the NSL,” said Biko.
“I have a young and relatively inexperienced squad but they are eager to play in the NSL. I don’t want want to make the mistakes other coaches make of overhauling a team after qualifying to the NSL. I will only add about three players,” added Biko.
Mara Sugar will face a baptism of fire against perennial campaigners and former giants Shabana at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County in their opening match on November 6.
Commenting on their eagerly anticipated debut in the second tier league against Shabana, Biko said: “Shabana are very experienced side having played in the NSL for four consecutive seasons. We go into the match as underdogs but expect surprises.”
He said the team will play their home matches at Sony Stadium in Awendo, Migori County. Mara Sugar was promoted after winning Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One Zone B. Also promoted to the second tier league is Kwale-based SS Assad.
SS assad now join Naivas FC, winners of Football Kenya Federation Division One zone A. SS Assad and Luanda Villa finished second in the two zones and played a one off play-off match which SS Assad won 2-1 to qualify to the National Super League.
Naivas will open their campaign against Mully Children’s Family FC at Ruaraka grounds. SS Assad will make their NSL debut against Murang’a Seal at St Sebastian Park in Murang’a.
