When Etienne Ndayiragije arrived in Kenya just eight months ago, few could have predicted the transformation he would bring to a then-struggling Kenya Police FC side.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Burundian was appointed in November 2024 after the club’s technical bench was disbanded due to poor results. He stepped into a club flirting with relegation, but he has since rewritten the script.Kenyan referee to officiate Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup clashFast forward to June 2025, and the 45-year-old takes pride in having guided Kenya Police to their first-ever FKF Premier League title.The Law Enforcers clinched the historic crown after a gritty 1-0 win over Shabana on Sunday, 15 June at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, and were officially crowned champions a week later following a 1-1 draw against Gor Mahia, who fittingly gave them a guard of honour before kickoff.##NAJAVA_MECA_8991913##In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Ndayiragije opened up not only about the joy of lifting the trophy but also about what makes his stay in Kenya truly special.“I thank God. I am very happy, and coming from relegation to here, it has been God. Every team brought its intensity. There is no easy team. We played every match as a final,” he said.Why former Spurs midfielder warned teammates against going close to Victor WanyamaThe former Azam FC head coach, who previously managed the national teams of both Tanzania and Burundi, says Kenya has impressed him far beyond just football.“The weather in Nairobi is amazing. And the infrastructure here is really impressive, the buildings, the roads, especially the expressway. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8991981##It is not just Nairobi. Even when you go to places like Mombasa, you see how well everything has been built,” he offered.Beyond the infrastructure, the warmth and friendliness of the people have captured his heart.Kenyan winger secures promotion to Spanish second tier with Real Sociedad B“What stands out the most for me is how kind and peaceful the people are. They are so social and welcoming,” he added.Then, with a smile, he gave a nod to his new favourite meals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8992123##“Goat ribs and ugali with fish, those are my absolute favourites. I love them so much!” he smiled.Before joining Police FC, his most recent job was with the Burundi national team. However, his stint came to an abrupt end in October 2024 following disappointing results in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including losses to Senegal and two back-to-back defeats against Burkina Faso. Arsenal’s David Raya enjoys honeymoon with wife in Tanzania [VIDEO]Before his Burundi appointment, he served as the head coach of the Tanzanian national team, Taifa Stars, from 2019 to 2021.
