Out of the Mozzart Bet Cup, big spenders Police FC are staring at another season without silverware, and yet one more missed opportunity to fly the Kenyan flag in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-clubs.Neither does it look rosy for the Makarao, as Police are nicknamed, in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) where they lie sixth, and ten points off leaders Gor Mahia, albeit with two games to spare.##NAJAVA_MECA_7142301##Even so, as celebrated South African coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane, a two-time African Champions League winner with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly SC, often says, “games in hand are not points in the bag.”Police’s title dreams took a huge hit on Saturday when they lost 1-2 to Ulinzi Stars in the round of 16 of the Mozzart Bet Cup, against all expectations and predictions, leaving them with only the FKFPL to fight for this season.For two straight years since their elevation to the FKFPL, Police FC have been the go to place for the big names of the top flight, thanks to their big purse, and a chance to become a police officer, which they dangle like a carrot. 🚨FULL TIME AT KINDERGARTEN STADIUM Hawa Bado Wacheze huko CBC POLICE FC 1️⃣-2️⃣ ULINZI STARS #ulinzifamily #stand001branch #GBUS pic.twitter.com/vlLpDGqTrx— Ulinzi Stars FC (@UlinziStarsFC) April 1, 2023 The fact that AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, two of the best supported and successful Kenyan clubs, struggled financially over this period, only made it easier for Police to grab and sign any player they wanted, reminding everyone of the former moneybags Wazito FC who are now a pale shadow of their short lived glory days.Police’s insatiable quest for big-name-players manifested during the just concluded February-March transfer window, as they roped in established faces like Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, left back Abud Omar and the league’s top scorer last season Derrick Otanga.ABUD 66D.OTANGA 11 MATASI 34Abud leading the mid season signings with already two FKF PL appearances, Otanga coming in second and Matasi third, have now their luck Jersey numbers in the new working station. Bonge la signings Betika748 Air Services – K Ltd pic.twitter.com/oXKVCiFdhe— KENYA POLICE FC (@kenyapolicefc) March 15, 2023 Already in their bloated roster of stars are Harun Shakava, Francis Kahata, Duke Abuya, Elvis Rupia and Musa Mohammed. Kahata, Musa and Shakava, all former K’Ogalo players, have won more titles than Police FC. When they started the league on a low, going three games without a win, including two losses, Police didn’t hesitate to change coaches; letting go Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo for fast rising Francis Baraza. Even though Baraza has stabilized the team, questions can still be asked about Police’s consistency and ability to go all the way in major championships. Shujaa’s poor form continues in Hong KongTheir approach to achieving success by signing proven talents, some who are approaching their twilight years, has also come under the microscope lately. Is it the surest way to glory, or should they invest in fresh talents?However, the biggest question remains, can Baraza turn the galaxy of stars into a formidable unit able and ready to write history? The jury is out.
