•Babu reckons the law enforcers set their season on course for a podium finish after plunging vast resources to secure quality signings.
•In an interview on Thursday, Babu said the current squad have what it takes to simultaneously contest for both the KPL and the FKF Cup titles.
Image: FILE
Kenya Police head coach Salim Babu has warned their fancied rivals to watch over their backs, saying nothing will jolt their aspirations for a maiden Kenyan Premier League title.
Babu reckons the law enforcers set their season on course for a podium finish after plunging vast resources to secure quality signings.
In an interview on Thursday, Babu said the current squad have what it takes to simultaneously contest for both the KPL and the FKF Cup titles.
“The new additions we made in the mid-season transfer window have transformed the fortunes of the club and provided us with enough options to choose from,” Babu remarked.
"So good is our squad that we can even afford to field our second-string team and still register positive results in our matches," he added.
The additions include former lethal winger Samuel Onyango who joined from Zambian Super League side Kabwe Warriors, midfielder Duncan Otieno who rejoined from Gaborone United of Botswana, and Tanzanian Rashid Mchelenga from Pamba Jiji FC.
“Currently we have a reliable squad of 25 players who possess the aptitude to perform at the highest level, owing to the wealth of experience they come with into the club,” he said.
The gaffer, however, warned the new players not to rest on their laurels, advising them to hammer away indefatigably for a starting role in the team's talent-laden roster.
“We brought them in when we had already established an effective first eleven and they should work extremely hard to cement a starting role in the lineup,” Babu stated.
Police are currently fourth on the log with 37 points, 10 adrift of leaders Gor Mahia. Their last outing was a narrow 1-0 win over Shabana at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Police have won five of the six matches played since Babu took over the reins including a famous 3-1 victory over record champions Gor Mahia.
The former Nzoia Sugar tactician will be leading a vicious onslaught against well-drilled Posta Rangers in the FKF Cup Round 32 fixtures at the Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the mailmen occupying a better position on the KPL log, where they place second, Babu is convinced his charges can upset the form book on their way to the last 16.
In other FKF Cup matches, Talanta will lock horns with Bungoma Stars at Police Sacco Stadium.
Silibwet will host Sofapaka at the Green Stadium in Kericho. Kajiado have a date with Panpaper at Ilala Stadium in Webuye, Bungoma as Bomachoge Borabu battle SS Assad at Kenyenya Grounds in Kisii.
Shalimar will flex muscles with Shabana at Longonot Horticulture grounds in Naivasha while PAC University will host AFC Leopards at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Gor Mahia will clash with Denmark at Ukunda Showground in Kwale on the same day that Harvest of Hope Africa face Ulinzi Stars at the Mumias Sports Complex.
Nyamira Super Eagles have a date with Kariobangi Sharks at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho in Kisii while Bidco United face Karatina Homeboyz at Karatina Stadium.
KCB face MOFA at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay while champions Kakamega Homeboyz will kick off their title defence against Solian City at Solian Girls High School in Eldama Ravine.