Nairobi City Stars head coach Salim Babu has candidly admitted that his dual responsibilities with the national team significantly contributed to the club’s relegation from the FKF Premier League.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsSimba wa Nairobi posted a torrid campaign that saw them bid farewell to top-flight football under heartbreaking circumstances.After a season riddled with inconsistency and off-field complications, City Stars were officially relegated on the final day of the 2024/25 FKF-PL campaign, finishing rock bottom with 35 points.Government reveals why Nyayo Stadium is not fully ready to host CHAN yetThe drop marked the end of their five-year second stint in the top tier, echoing the agony of their last demotion in 2016.The Kawangware-based side had headed into the season with moderate optimism, following a 2023/24 campaign in which they overcame early turbulence to finish in an impressive sixth place under head coach Nicholas Muyoti. But when Muyoti departed during the mid-season to take up a new challenge at Nairobi United, the club turned to Salim Babu, fresh off winning the Mozzart Bet Cup with Kenya Police FC, for leadership in an increasingly precarious position.##NAJAVA_MECA_9000959##However, while Babu’s tactical acumen had shown promise at the national level, his concurrent involvement with Kenya’s U20 team stretched his commitment to City Stars thin. His divided attention would soon become a defining subplot of a tumultuous season.Babu took over the reins in January, inheriting a team hovering in dangerous waters. Expectations were high that his experience—sharpened at clubs like Nzoia and Sony Sugar FC—could steer City Stars clear of relegation danger. However, the timing was far from ideal.Tasked with preparing the national U20 team for their maiden appearance at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Babu frequently had to leave the dugout, missing 10 of the 17 second-leg matches due to national duty.Harambee Stars defender signs for Spanish sideSpeaking in the aftermath of City Stars’ relegation, Babu was forthright about the impact of his absences.”Partly, yes, there is a bit of being away with the national team that contributed to the team’s predicaments,” he said. “But I believed in the team I had left behind to take care of the team in my absence. I can say too, we failed ourselves on the final day of the season—we should have won the match to be certain of our spot in the league; sadly, we drew and complicated matters for ourselves.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9000785##Despite his limited time on the touchline, Babu had hoped that the foundation he laid and the coaching team left in charge during his absence would keep the flame burning. But the inconsistency that plagued the team throughout the season proved too stubborn to extinguish.City Stars’ campaign was defined by a glaring contrast—moments of bravery overshadowed by spells of misfortune and disjointed performances.While they fought valiantly in the final stretch, even collecting commendable results against top-half teams, the early-season rot had run too deep.Michael Olunga reveals facilities to be included in his club’s new stadium [VIDEO]Their fate was sealed on the final day of the season, where a draw in a must-win fixture against Mathare United left them dependent on results elsewhere—results that did not go in their favour.While City Stars faltered, Babu was writing a new chapter in Kenyan football history by leading the U20 men’s national team to their first-ever appearance at the continental showpiece.Though the Rising Stars bowed out at the group stage hurdle after managing just a point, the milestone itself was historic and widely celebrated.##NAJAVA_MECA_9001105##Still, the dual role came at a price. City Stars faithful, though proud of Babu’s national achievement, were left to wonder how different the season might have been had their head coach been fully available for club duties.Now, with relegation confirmed, Babu is determined to channel the disappointment into a focused push for an immediate return to the FKFPL.Only two clubs—Mathare United and Wazito FC—have managed to bounce back to the top tier at the first time of asking after relegation in recent years, and City Stars are now eyeing that rare path.Harambee Stars defender parts ways with South African club”The focus has shifted to the National Super League season, and we are already planning ahead,” Babu said. “We are going to prepare adequately well and ensure we return immediately next year.”The task ahead is immense as the NSL is notoriously competitive, filled with ambitious clubs hungry for promotion and difficult away fixtures in unfamiliar terrains.When City Stars were last relegated in 2016, it took them four years to reclaim their top-flight status. But Babu is convinced that with proper preparation and unity, this time will be different.
