Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije aims to transform Kenya Police FC’s fortunes in the FKF Premier League.
Kenya Police FC have made a bold move to rescue their season by appointing Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije. The former Burundi and Tanzania national team coach takes over a struggling team rooted at the bottom of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League table. With only eight points from eight matches, Police FC’s current form is a stark contrast to last season’s promising campaign, where they finished as league runners-up and lifted the FKF Cup.
Ndayiragije’s appointment signals a new chapter for the law enforcers, who are desperate to turn their season around. Known for his tactical expertise and ability to rejuvenate underperforming teams, the 45-year-old coach is optimistic about restoring the team’s fortunes.
A Troubling Start to the Season
Kenya Police FC’s 2023/24 campaign has been a disappointing one so far. After eight games, they have recorded just one win—a 2-0 triumph over newly promoted Mathare United. The team has also endured a string of lackluster performances, drawing five matches and losing two. Their last league outing resulted in a narrow 1-0 defeat to AFC Leopards, leaving them in dire need of inspiration.
This underwhelming run of form is in stark contrast to their success last season, where they mounted a credible challenge for the FKF Premier League title before faltering in the final stages. They managed to salvage their season by clinching the FKF Cup, defeating KCB in a dramatic penalty shootout. However, their current struggles prompted the club’s management to part ways with coach Salim Babu and overhaul the technical bench.
Ndayiragije’s Vision and Ambition
Ndayiragije steps into his new role with an optimistic mindset, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to climb up the league table. Speaking during his unveiling, the coach emphasized his hunger to deliver results:
“I am very happy to take up the role at Kenya Police FC. I must admit that I am very desperate to get going; I have the hunger to see the team start performing well. We can still turn things around and compete for the title. The league is a marathon, and we still have many matches to play,” he said.
The Burundian coach has experience in turning around struggling teams, having done so during his previous tenures with the Tanzanian national team, Taifa Stars, and Azam FC. He is confident that the quality within the Police FC squad provides a solid foundation for improvement.
“I know what I am looking for, and I have been in this situation before. I have the belief we can bring the team to where it belongs. All we want is good results, and that is the target for now,” Ndayiragije added.
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A Talented Squad at His Disposal
One of the main factors that motivated Ndayiragije to join Police FC was the team’s strong roster of players. The squad includes experienced talents such as Francis Kahata and Kenneth Muguna, both of whom are familiar to Ndayiragije from his time coaching in Tanzania. Kahata, a former Simba SC playmaker, and Muguna, a standout during his time at Azam FC, bring invaluable experience and skill to the midfield.
“I am very happy to see them again. They are among the experienced players in the Police squad, very skilled players, and I know they will help me stabilize the team,” Ndayiragije noted. “Having a good squad is one of the reasons I decided to take up the challenge. My focus is to help them raise their level of play and, in turn, lift the team.”
Focused on Results
Ndayiragije has urged Police FC fans to remain patient as he implements his vision. While he refrained from divulging specifics about his tactical philosophy, he promised that the team’s performances on the pitch will speak volumes.
“I don’t want to reveal my philosophy for our enemies to see. Football is about action, not talking too much. I urge the fans to stay calm and judge me based on what they see on the pitch,” he explained.
The coach’s primary goal is to instill confidence and discipline within the squad, enabling them to play to their full potential. He remains optimistic that with hard work and determination, Police FC can climb out of the relegation zone and reignite their campaign.
League standings as we wrap up Matchweek 11.
Where is your team on the table?#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/6FeF3U0QGC
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) December 1, 2024
The Road Ahead
Ndayiragije faces a challenging set of fixtures in the coming weeks. Police FC’s next five matches will test the team’s mettle as they take on formidable opponents:
- Nairobi City Stars – Wednesday, December 4th
- Mara Sugar – Saturday, December 7th
- Bidco United – Wednesday, December 11th
- Gor Mahia – Saturday, December 14th
- Kakamega Homeboyz – Saturday, December 21st
These matches present an opportunity for Ndayiragije to demonstrate his tactical acumen and begin the process of rebuilding confidence within the squad. Securing positive results against these teams will be crucial in steering Police FC away from the relegation zone.
A New Dawn for Police FC
With Etienne Ndayiragije at the helm, Kenya Police FC is embarking on a journey to salvage their season. The coach’s track record, combined with the talent in the squad, provides hope for a turnaround. While the challenges ahead are significant, Ndayiragije’s hunger and determination to succeed could be the catalyst for a remarkable comeback in the FKF Premier League.
