Nzoia Sugar FC head coach Salim Babu says the secret behind their immaculate start to the FKF Premier League season is just sheer hard work and the ability of his players to grasp his tactics.

Babu, who joined the Bungoma based side on March last year, has received his fair share of acclaim after transforming Nzoia from relegation candidates to league challengers.

Nzoia are the league’s table-toppers after 13 matches and are also one of the most exciting top-flight teams to watch this season.

Babu is hoping they can sustain that early season momentum and go on to win what would be the club’s first ever league title.

“Having early preparations before the kickoff of the league I can say is the secret to good results so far. We had three pre-season months whereby by the time league kicked off, we were already ripened. I also insist on my players not to play long balls but instead to keep it cool and pass to each other something which they have utilized so much.

“Each season we have been fighting relegation, but since I joined the side, I told my bosses that I am to write history with the club, either winning the title or finish among the top three teams and I am happy that we are in that bracket,” Babu said.

The tactician added he hopes he will not to lose any of his players who are now being hunted by the league’s biggest teams.

“Good results come with many challenges and one of them is the fact that many clubs are thirsting for my players. Actually more than five of them have approached some of them but they haven’t submitted any formal requests.

“As a coach I will always advise players to make good decisions and avoid future regrets but if someone feels he wants to go then I will have no option but to release the,” Babu stated.

Nzoia hope to open six gap leadership this Sunday when they host AFC Leopards at the Sudi Stadium.