Three coaches behind remarkable FKFPL turnarounds

In one of the most closely contested seasons of the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) in recent memory, where the title race is destined to go down to the wire, three coaches have emerged as architects of truly remarkable turnarounds.While much of the spotlight often shines on clubs in pole position, it is the brave decisions taken in the shadows by clubs flirting with relegation and the managers bold enough to lead them that have produced some of the most compelling stories of the campaign.Mozzart Sport takes a closer look at three coaches, notably , Francis Baraza, and Peter Okidi, who took on high-pressure jobs at struggling clubs and have transformed them into genuine contenders for a top-three finish.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsEtienne Ndayiragije: From crisis to contenders at Kenya PoliceWhen Etienne Ndayiragije was unveiled as Kenya Police head coach on 29 November 2024, the club was languishing in 15th place, barely above the relegation zone.His predecessor, Salim Babu, had parted ways with the law enforcers following a poor string of results, and expectations were modest at best.The Burundian tactician, known for his previous stints at Azam and Vital O FC, lost his first match against AFC Leopards—an inauspicious start. However, that loss turned out to be the calm before the storm.##NAJAVA_MECA_8973014##What followed was a 13-match unbeaten run that catapulted the side from relegation candidates to table leaders.Under his stewardship, Kenya Police have recorded 16 wins, five draws, and only four losses, boasting one of the most impressive mid-season reversals in recent years.With two matches remaining, Ndayiragije’s side sits six points clear at the top, needing just a single point to clinch their maiden FKF-PL title.His turnaround has not only brought belief back to the squad but has also elevated the club into serious title-winning conversation—a feat many thought impossible when he took charge.McCarthy’s motivation that earned him his first Harambee Stars victoryFrancis Baraza: Rescuing and reviving Kakamega HomeboyzTaking over a team rooted at the bottom of the table with only two points from five games, coach Francis Baraza faced an uphill battle when he replaced Kenneth Kenyatta at Kakamega Homeboyz.His first assignment ended in defeat to Sofapaka, hardly the dream start for a returning FKFPL veteran.But Baraza, who famously guided the now-defunct Sony Sugar to a league title, held firm. His next few matches brought mixed results, but a defining 12-match unbeaten streak proved he was on to something special.Organised Chaos Football🔥Enjoy your week AbanaBeingo family 👊 #AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/itg5WbRisA— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) May 26, 2025 Even after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Shabana, Baraza regrouped, steering the club to an impressive nine-match unbeaten run.As the season nears its conclusion, Homeboyz are in fourth place, just shy of second, with a realistic shot at a second-place finish, a fate Homeboyz achieved four years ago.With 13 wins, nine draws, and only three losses under his name, Baraza’s experience and tactical nous have transformed Abana Beingo from early relegation battlers to one of the league’s most consistent outfits in the second half of the season.From glory to grave: Five Kenyan footballers killed over criminal tiesPeter Okidi: Restoring Glory to Shabana FCAppointed in October 2024, Peter Okidi inherited a Shabana side devoid of confidence and sitting precariously close to the drop zone.With only three points from six games, the Kisii-based club, returning to top-flight football in 2023, was in crisis mode.In what many saw as a baptism by fire, Okidi’s first game saw Shabana defeat title hopefuls Kenya Police at the Gusii Stadium, a result that set the tone for his tenure.Mwalimu Peter Okidi Peter Okidi taking a selfie with fans after game#SportPesaNaShabana pic.twitter.com/upLi77F4KK— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) April 28, 2025 Consecutive wins against Murang’a Seal and AFC Leopards followed before a brief setback against Homeboyz.However, it was in early 2025 that Shabana truly found their stride. An eight-match unbeaten run rekindled hope, pushing the once-struggling club into the upper echelons of the league table.Although their charge was eventually halted by defending champions Gor Mahia, the momentum had already shifted.With 13 wins, seven draws, and six losses from 26 matches, Okidi’s Shabana currently sit fifth, within touching distance of a third-place finish—a dream position considering where they stood when he took over.Osoro, Sakwa relish in dream Harambee Stars showAs the 2024/25 FKF-PL season approaches its dramatic conclusion, the remarkable achievements of Ndayiragije, Baraza, and Okidi, including wins in their respective final two fixtures of the season, will definitely wrap up what has been a transformative season for the trio.

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