Kibera Black Stars assistant coach Iddy Baraka believes the team has learned from past mistakes and are determined to secure promotion at the end of the current National Super League (NSL) season.The Black Stars are enjoying one of their best campaigns since earning promotion to the second tier nine seasons ago.They currently sit third on the log, five points behind leaders Nairobi United, and remain firmly in the promotion race.##NAJAVA_MECA_8763445##Baraka has noted that having a stronger mentality, fans deserving an FKF Premier League slot, consistency and a strong technical bench are reasons why the club is ripe for promotion.The team has developed a reputation for strong starts only to struggle in the second half of the season.Two seasons ago, the team looked like serious contenders for promotion alongside Shabana FC, and even secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Glamour Boys at Ligi Ndogo Grounds.However, their form dipped after that win, and they eventually fell out of the top two. At times, they even struggled to field a full squad, severely denting their chances of making it to the top tier.Lavatsa looking to maximise transfer window in bid for Kibera Black Stars FKFPL promotionBaraka, who previously tasted promotion success with Ligi Ndogo, insists the team has put effective measures in place to ensure Kibera’s passionate fan base enjoys top-flight football next season.”This time, we are leaving nothing to chance. We have learned from our past mistakes, and we know exactly what it takes to get over the line. The boys are hungry, motivated, and ready to fight until the last whistle,” the CAF B license holder told Mozzart Sport.He attributed past struggles to a lack of mental strength in the closing stages of the league but assured fans that those issues have been addressed.”In the past, we lost momentum in the second leg, but we have worked hard to fix that. We now have depth in the squad, better fitness levels, and a stronger mentality. We will not repeat the same mistakes,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_8763595##Baraka also emphasized that the club is eager to earn their maiden promotion to the FKF Premier League, having spent too many years in the second tier.”Kibera Black Stars belong in the top tier. We have overstayed in the NSL, and it’s time to take our place in the Premier League. The fans deserve it, the players have earned it, and we will give everything to make it happen.”On what has changed from previous seasons, he highlighted consistency as the key factor.”The difference this season is our consistency. We have strengthened key areas, and we are more disciplined in our approach. We are not just playing to win matches—we are playing to secure promotion.”Kenya Police land highly-rated Kibera Black Stars keeperBaraka also credited the team’s good working relationship with head coach Edwin Lavatsa for the improved performances, contrasting their situation with other clubs facing technical bench turmoil.”Our technical bench is united, and that has been key to our success. Coach Edwin Lavatsa has brought stability, a clear game plan, and a winning mentality. While other teams struggle with internal issues, we are fully focused on our goal—promotion.”Kibera Black Stars will have a chance to close the points gap on APS Bomet and Nairobi United when they take on Mully Children Family (MCF) at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.How family pressure almost ended Shabana’s new signing football careerNational Super League standing after weekend games. Nairobi United dislodges APS Bomet at the top, Fortune Sacco leapfrogs Kibera Black Stars to move third and in final promotion places. SS Assad and Dimba Patriots each docked three points for giving out walkovers over the… pic.twitter.com/lTCy2tUtQb— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) January 28, 2025
