Kenya Police Head Coach Salim Babu is confident his charges boast sufficient artillery to ravage KCB in the eagerly awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup finals on June 8.
The winner of the high-stakes match will punch a ticket to the coveted Caf Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-biggest inter-club extravaganza.
KCB were the first to romp into the final after fending off a fierce challenge to confound the more fancied Kariobangi Sharks at the Police Sacco stadium on Sunday.
Babu has now dared the Nairobi-based bankers to make good their threat of sprinting away with the title, warning them of the jaw-dropper that awaits them ahead.
He described their encounter as a ferocious battle of the titans pitting two topflight sides that are both starving to make a debut appearance on the international stage.
The seasoned gaffer made the remarks a day after the law enforcers surmounted a tough challenge to pip Kenyan Premier League rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 in the hotly-contested semifinals.
“My resolve remains the same — we are going full throttle for the silverware. We don’t intend to settle for anything less than that,” Babu remarked. “We respect our opponents. They are a good side but they should prepare for a thorough hiding,” he added.
Babu reiterated their desire to fly Kenya’s flag in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup, saying they will not allow KCB to scuttle their lofty dreams of tucking away a maiden major silverware.
“It’s something we’ve not achieved before and we now have a chance to do so. We are ready for any sort of challenge our opponents might pose in the match. We now have a glorious opportunity to represent the country on the international stage,” Babu stated.
He asked his charges not to rest on their laurels until they attain their goal. “We played against them recently in a league match on April 12 and won 1-0. That gives us an edge heading into the tie but the more reason to be cautious because our opponents will be eager to retaliate,” Babu said.
The tournament’s eventual winner will walk away with a lush prize purse of Sh2 million with the runners-up pocketing half the amount.
The third-place side stands to bag Sh700,000 and the fourth-placed side earning half a million.
Meanwhile, Babu’s opposite number at KCB Bernard Mwalala said he is not quaking in the boots after confirming who their rivals will be.
“We have our minds set on victory. Like I said before, we are ready to face whoever we are pitted against. Let them bring it on. Football is played on the pitch and we’ll be in a position to know the best side at the end of the day. So let’s be patient,” he said.
