When Kenya Police FC announced the appointment of Etienne Ndayiragije as head coach in November 2024, the team was struggling and rooted 17th on the FKF Premier League log. After seven rounds of matches, the Law Enforcers had registered just a single win, a draw, and five losses – tied on eight points with the-then bottom-placed Posta Rangers. Relegation was looming.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Burundian tactician, however, took the reins with quiet confidence. He believed in the club’s vision – an ambitious sporting project supported by the National Police Service. Ndayiragije replaced Anthony Kimani, who was relieved of his duties alongside the entire technical bench after a string of poor performances.##NAJAVA_MECA_8982676##One of his first decisions was to restructure the playing unit. He offloaded players deemed surplus to requirements and appointed experienced defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng as captain following the exits of key players like Musa Mohammed and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.Within a month, the turnaround began. The team climbed out of the relegation zone and settled into mid-table. Kenneth Muguna responds to critics after landing title with Kenya PoliceBy December, the club had stormed into the top three, thanks to a remarkable run of five wins against Nairobi City Stars, Mara Sugar, Bidco United, FC Talanta, and reigning champions Gor Mahia. A draw against Kakamega Homeboyz and a narrow loss to AFC Leopards rounded off their impressive form that month.Kenya Police determined to rub salt on Gor Mahia’s wound during coronation dayFrom then on, Police FC were title contenders. Ndayiragije capitalized on Gor Mahia’s inconsistency and instilled discipline and structure into his squad. His methods paid off spectacularly.Since December, the team lost just four matches, winning 17 and drawing five. That consistency catapulted them to the summit of the league.Their crowning moment came with two matches to spare. Harambee Starlets coach reveals reason for Vivian Nanjala’s early substitution against UgandaA towering header from defender Brian Okoth in the 79th minute against Shabana sealed a crucial win that confirmed their maiden FKF Premier League title. “The management led by Chairperson Mr. Nyale Munga has been extremely supportive,” said Ndayiragije after the title triumph.“We had to sit down and reflect. My players have worked incredibly hard, and my technical team and officials have been amazing. I have never seen a club president like Munga,” he added. Ndayiragije also heaped praise on his players for their determination. “Their dedication to the cause has been phenomenal. They fought for the title and truly deserve this,” praised the former Azam coach. ‘They should be renamed Harambee Stars’- Kenyans on Harambee Starlets CECAFA performanceClub chairman Munga was equally elated and hinted at the club’s next ambitions.“Our status has now changed. We must now compete for African titles,” said Munga. “We will make one or two key signings, prepare well during preseason, and represent Kenya on the continental stage. We’re ready for it,” added the high ranking policeman.Kenya Police FC will lift the FKF Premier League trophy on Sunday after facing Gor Mahia in their final match of the season.
