City Stars, popularly known as Simba wa Nairobi, was relegated from the top-tier league in the 2024/25 season.
Babu said there was a mass exodus of players after the club was relegated, and he is currently rebuilding the team.
"Nearly the entire playing unit left the club, and we had to start from scratch again. We now have a young team of talented players," said Babu.
The former Junior Starlets coach, "As much as we want to return to the top-tier league, I don't think it will be possible this season. These are young boys, and I don't want to put them under pressure. The boys will compete for promotion next season."
So far, Simba wa Nairobi have played three games, winning two and losing once. The team had an identical 1-0 win over newly promoted Kabati Youth and Luanda Villa. They lost 1-0 to the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA).
Babu said that despite the one loss in three games, he is impressed by the performance of the team.
"So far, so good. We wanted a positive start, and two wins out of three games is what we all wanted at Nairobi City Stars," remarked the CAF B license holder.
At the same time, newly promoted National Super League side Soy United beat Bungoma Superstars 1-0 in a build-up game.
Soy United and Gucha Stars were supposed to make their league debut, but their games were postponed in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was buried on Sunday.
Gucha Stars, under coach Sammy Okoth, was supposed to play Vihiga United, while Soy United was to play Kisumu All Stars.
The two teams are expected to make their league bow next weekend. Gucha Stars and Soy United were promoted to the second-tier league alongside Kabati Youth.
