Coach Gin vows to return Nzoia Sugar to Kenyan Premier League

Nzoia Sugar team poses for a photo with West Kenya Sugar officials/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Nzoia Sugar’s interim coach Peter Gin is keen to guide the team back to the Kenyan Premier League next season.

The club recently received a major boost after West Kenya Sugar Company, which acquired Nzoia Sugar Company, pledged to sponsor the National Super League strugglers. The club was relegated to the NSL in the 2023/24 season.

“Given a chance to continue with my role as coach, I pledge to guide the club back to the top-tier league," said Gin. "The support from West Kenya Sugar has come in handy. They supported us in our last two games of the season and took us to camp for the first time in several years. We are looking forward to next season,” said Gin.

Gin has been a long-time Nzoia Sugar servant, having joined the club 10 years ago as a player.

He added, “I hold this club close to my heart. I had many offers, but I opted to remain at Nzoia to steady the ship. I’m happy we survived relegation. Our target is to return to the top-tier league after one season in the cold.”

West Kenya Sugar management is set to meet Nzoia Sugar players, the technical bench, and other stakeholders today to discuss the way forward.

He hailed club chairman, Evans Kadenge, for standing with the team during tough times.

“Kadenge, his family and the fans supported us immensely. We do not take their support for granted,” said Gin.  

West Kenya’s Head of External Affairs and Communications, George Muruli, said they are committed to the club's long-term success.

Muruli announced on behalf of West Kenya Sugar Company Managing Director Tejveer Rai to players, the technical bench, and fans.

“Just as we are working to revive the factory’s machines, we are equally committed to reviving this club, which enjoys massive community support,” Muruli remarked.

They will adopt the model used by four-time Kenya Cup and four-time Enterprise Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC.

“We plan to scout talent from schools, support their education, and nurture them as footballers while ensuring they live meaningful lives during and after their sports careers,” said Muruli.

“Just as we support farmers to grow sugarcane, our principle in sports is the same: to identify, nurture and develop talent, and later provide employment opportunities for retiring sports personalities in our factories. That is how we make sports both sustainable and attractive."