Kenya Police FC are dreaming big ahead of their maiden campaign in the CAF Champions League. The FKF Premier League runners-up have shifted their focus to continental glory after last season’s early exit in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije, speaking after receiving the SJAK Coach of the Month award for June, said the team is ready to compete at the highest level in Africa. The Burundian tactician, known for his calm demeanor and tactical sharpness, expressed confidence in his side’s ability to go beyond expectations.
“I’m a prayerful person, and I love challenges. I don’t work under pressure,” said Ndayiragije during the award ceremony held at the Police Sacco Pavilion in Nairobi.
In the 2024/25 season, Kenya Police made their continental debut in the CAF Confederation Cup but were knocked out in the first round by Egyptian giants Zamalek. The 3-1 aggregate loss served as a tough learning experience for the team, who are now determined to bounce back stronger in Africa’s premier club competition.
Ndayiragije believes with better planning, targeted signings, and a stronger mentality, Kenya Police can become a serious contender on the continent.
“Yes, we didn’t go past the first round last season, but with proper training and a focused approach, we can go beyond the group stage this time. Solid teamwork is our foundation,” he noted.
The 46-year-old coach, who previously managed national teams and clubs across East Africa, said that the squad needs to be reinforced in key areas, especially in midfield and attack, to compete with the continent’s elite teams.
Team manager George Maelo backed the coach’s ambitions and emphasized the club’s growing stature.
“We have clear targets. President William Ruto has challenged us to return the Premier League trophy to State House. Reaching the group stage of the Champions League is now our next major focus,” Maelo stated.
Maelo also underlined the expectations placed on the squad after their strong domestic performance and the need to convert that success into results in continental competitions.
“This team knows how to handle pressure. I’ve seen how they’ve grown from underdogs to title contenders. Now it’s time to prove our worth in Africa.”
The team’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Ndayiragije’s recognition as SJAK Coach of the Month came after an impressive run of results, which solidified Kenya Police’s status as one of the country’s top clubs. The coach received a personalized trophy and a KSh100,000 cash prize.
He becomes the second foreign coach to win the award this year, following Carlos Kyatwa of Kabras Sugar RFC, who was recognized in April.
During the ceremony, Maelo also criticized the recent squad selection for the Harambee Stars CHAN team, calling out coach Benni McCarthy for excluding top-performing local players.
“Selections should be based on stats, not emotions. How do you leave out a midfielder like Marvin Nabwire, who has scored eight goals, or a goalkeeper like Job Ochieng, who has kept multiple clean sheets?” Maelo questioned.
The criticism reflects a broader concern among local clubs about fair representation at the national level, especially as the CHAN tournament only features players active in domestic leagues.
Meanwhile, Ndayiragije remained focused on the bigger picture: building a team capable of representing Kenya proudly in the CAF Champions League.
“We want to leave a mark. Just like we surprised people in the FKF Premier League, we aim to ruffle feathers in Africa. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge,” he affirmed.
Nairobi United’s Nicholas Muyoti, who led his side to the National Super League title and a place in the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup final, finished second in the SJAK June voting, highlighting the competitive nature of coaching in Kenyan football.
As Kenya Police FC prepare for pre-season, expectations are high. With a united management team, strategic signings, and a head coach who thrives under pressure, the club looks set to write a new chapter in its history on the continental stage.
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