Table of Contents
- Etienne Ndayiragije, the Police FC head coach is the man of the moment following the club’s historic victory
- Police FC won the season’s Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL)
- The Burundian coach has won praises from the club’s leadership for guiding the ‘officers’ to their first FKF-PL victory
Etienne Ndayiragije, the Police FC head coach is the man of the moment following the club’s historic victory in the Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) this season.
They played against Shabana FC on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos and won 1-0.
The Burundian coach has won praises from the club’s leadership for guiding the ‘officers’ to their first FKF-PL victory. They dethroned Gor Mahia, which has held the top seat in the Kenya Premier League for a while now.
The uniformed players rose from a dismal 10th finish in the 2020/2021 season.
How Kenya Police FC Won Their First Kenya Premier League Title
Gabriel Odhiambo handed Police FC their title-winning goal in the 75th minute. He converted an amazing corner pass by Tyson Otieno.
This gave the Police a 64-point lead on the KPL table. Gor Mahia came in a distant second with 58 points.
Ndayiragije earned praise from the club’s leadership and fans alike for helping them win the KPL title months into his job as the team’s head coach.
New Fortunes Under Ndayiragije
Police FC Coach Etienne Ndayiragije. He took over from Salim Babu who was sacked alongside his entire technical team over the club’s poor performance. Photo/Police fc
The appointment of a new head coach in November of 2024, reversed fortunes for the Police. They had been performing poorly in the middle of the table, and Ndayiragije introduced discipline, tactical formation, and winning mentality very quickly.
He took over from Salim Babu, who was sacked alongside his entire technical team over the club’s poor performance. Beldine Odemba, the Police Bullets head coach, steered the club on an interim basis until Ndayiragije’s appointment on November 24, 2024.
Police FC switched to a high-pressing style of play, thus enhancing the defence and the attack. He focused on teamwork and leadership, which made the players gain confidence and changed dramatically.
The team won big games against big teams like Gor Mahia and Tusker FC, which made them a serious title contender for the final half of the season.
Months later, the club won their first-ever FKF Premier League title after beating Shabana FC 1-0 in a dramatic match.
The Burundian coach’s view of the club’s success is attributed to better management and having confident players.
Ndayiragije’s next agenda is to participate in the continental competition in the CAF Champions League in the upcoming season.
It will be the second time for Police FC to participate in the CAF Champions League after their debut where they lost to Egypt’s Zamalek FC in the second round of the tournament.
Police FC celebrate their maiden Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) win on Sunday, June 15 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. Photo/Police fc
Other Kenya Premier League fixtures played on Sunday included a 3-1 victory of AFC Leopards over FC Talanta, the hosts, whilst Tusker FC and Kariobangi Sharks played to a goalless draw.
The match between Mara Sugar and Murang SEALS also showed a similarity of results, and so was the game between Bandari versus Mathare United, who fired blanks.
The 2009 winners, Sofapaka, reigned over Posta Rangers 2-1, with Kakamega Homeboyz winning by 1-0 to Bidco United as visitors.
In the final game of the second-to-last game of the current season, Nairobi City Stars defeated KCB FC by 2 goals to 1.
Coronation Match
Police FC will play a coronation game against Gor Mahia on Sunday at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
