Nzoia defying money odds to chase KPL Title

Nzoia Sugar have defied the odds and financial difficulties to be among the three clubs jostling for the Kenyan Premier League title.

The Bungoma based club is hoping to pip holders Tusker and record champions Gor Mahia to the title and proceed to represent the country in the CAF Champions League. 

Both Gor and Tusker enjoy massive financial backing from one the leading gaming firm in the country and the Kenya Breweries respectively.

Nzoia on the other hand have been living from hand to mouth as the parent company has been struggling to stay afloat for some years.

Money is clearly a source of motivation to nearly all players but Nzoia who have in the past couple of years been struggling to keep their top flight status appear to be thriving in difficult financial situation.

The club has been defaulting on remitting salaries to players and is unable to use the bus donated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta for fear that, but may be confiscated by auctioneers. 

Despite all these, Salim Babu's charges are on the cusp of claiming a major title should they win the remaining four matches and pray their closest rivals stumble.

Babu revealed that before the season kicked off, the team resolved to forget about the financial situation at the club and focus on showcasing modern football on the pitch. 

The soft spoken tactician said he asked the players to capitalize on the platform the club was offering and market themselves to deep-pocketed employers and even outside the country. 

"I sat the boys down before the season began and we agreed to focus on our job on the pitch. I am happy the players have been responding well," he said.

"The management has been trying their best to ensure the boys are comfortable," he added.

Babu's sentiments were echoed by club skipper Humphrey Katasi who observed that team work and seeking divine inspiration on the eve of match days has worked on well so far. 

"We agreed to forget about money and train our eyes on having a good season. We have been playing and supporting each other on and off the pitch as a unit. We also a very prayerful team," said the goalkeeper. 

With the trophy on sight, Babu encouraged the playing unit to seal any loophole for pressure and instead, look to deliver maximum points in the remaining matches. 

Nzoia are set to take on KCB, Kariobangi Sharks, Nairobi City and Sofapaka.