Migori Youth FC are putting the final touches on their preparations for a historic debut season in the SportPesa League, with head coach Salim Babu emphasising discipline, confidence, and a strong start to secure early points.
The newly promoted side has completed nearly four weeks of pre-season training, targeting six full weeks of preparation before the top-flight campaign kicks off. Babu believes this extended build-up will help his young squad adapt to the rigorous demands of Premier League football.
“Our preparations have been good. We started early, and I think we have been training for almost four weeks now,” Babu noted, highlighting the team’s steady progress since returning to camp.
The coach drew significant encouragement from Migori’s pre-season performance against reigning champions Gor Mahia in the Green Legacy Cup at Nyayo Stadium. Although Migori surrendered a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw before losing 4-3 on penalties, the display proved their potential against elite competition.
“This is a team we are still building. The main thing we are trying to do is build their confidence because the talent is there,” Babu reflected after the match. “It was good practice because we played against a big team with a large fanbase. All in all, I think it was great preparation.”
While the performance strengthened belief within the camp, it also highlighted key defensive vulnerabilities. Migori must improve their game management and concentration against experienced opposition to ensure they hold onto leads and stay clear of the relegation zone.
“We want to avoid fighting relegation in the final minutes of the season—that is our main goal,” Babu added.
To achieve stability, Babu has adopted a measured approach in the transfer market, choosing to retain the core of his promotion-winning team while introducing targeted top-flight experience. Rather than rushing recruitment, the club aims to bring in six to 10 experienced players to complement the young squad, building a final roster of roughly 26 players.
New arrivals include former Muhoroni Youth defender Vincent Mulama, winger Nehemiah Onchiri, Tusker loanee Dennis Oguta, and attacker Christopher Koloti.
“We don’t want to make mistakes by signing players in a hurry. We want to take our time so that we get players who will genuinely help us,” Babu explained. “I want to strengthen all departments because most of our players lack top-flight experience.”
Defender and team captain Kelly Collins Otieno embodies the club’s transition from grassroots development to elite football.
Having risen through Migori’s academy to lead the team to promotion from the National Super League, Otieno provides essential leadership and continuity. His confidence—and the squad’s collective belief—has only been bolstered by their competitive display against Gor Mahia.
Migori Youth FC will face an immediate test of their top-flight readiness when they host Kenya Police in their opening Premier League fixture on August 29 at Awendo Green Stadium.
