By Rebecca Magoma
Sportpesa Premier League (SPL) side Chemelil Sugar coach Francis Baraza believes his side stands a chance to clinch the domestic league if they continue with the fine form posted in the Month of August.
Baraza was speaking after he won the August Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month after leading his team to four wins.
“Chemelil has never won the premier league but we are trying to do that this year. If we maintain the current form and teams above us continue faltering, we stand a chance of clinching it.”I’m happy to be recognized for the team’s performance and I’d like to thank my players, technical bench colleagues and Chemelil Sugar management for the commitment and support which has enabled me win the award,” said the tactician who once served as national team assistant coach.
The forty year old former Kenyan international was voted unanimously by sports journalists to become the sixth recipient of the gong since inauguration in February.
From his perfect record, Baraza pocketed fifty thousand shillings for the August award and joined Francis Kimanzi, Zedekiah Otieno, Ivan Minnaert, Salim Babu and Henry Omino in the list of recipients.
The Sugar-belt tactician guided his side to four victories in August hence commanded the unanimous vote from football writers. Among the teams which Chemelil grounded in August are City Stars, Sony Sugar, Bandari and neighbours Muhoroni Youth.
The tactician who joined Chemelil at the edge of relegation zone has guided the team to fourth place in the current standings.
With the 2016 season entering home stretch and the coveted award in the bag, Baraza who has already attained his targets is poised for a title fight.
Chemelil face defending champions Gor Mahia in their next weekend and Baraza has vowed to pile more pressure on the beleaguered Kogalo custodian Ze Maria.
“We take every match seriously and every game has it’s tactics. We know Gor and respect them but we are going for three points in Nairobi,” said Baraza.
