Kenya Police head coach Etienne
Ndayiragije said they are not letting
up their lofty aspirations of a maiden Kenyan Premier League title.
While acknowledging that their 1-1 draw against Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, on Sunday was a minor setback, the Burundian gaffer said they still have their sights firmly trained on the silverware.
The Nairobi-based law enforcers battled from a goal down to salvage a crucial point after Brian Okoth’s stoppage-time goal cancelled out Donato Okello’s opener for Sofapaka.
“For Kenya Police FC, the dream of clinching their first Kenyan Premier League title is not just an ambition; it is a relentless pursuit that encapsulates the spirit of the team and its supporters,” Ndayiragije said.
The game unfolded with a narrative that could easily have been scripted for a dramatic sports film.
Police found themselves trailing after Okello’s deft strike put Sofapaka ahead, leaving the team grappling with the pressure of the moment. In a stunning display of tenacity Okoth emerged as the hero, netting a stoppage-time goal that not only salvaged a point but also reignited the team’s hopes for the season.
Ndayiragije told his players to visualise success, urging them to keep their dreams alive even when the path seems fraught with obstacles.
“We are not abandoning our ambitious goals. Teams in the Kenyan Premier League rise and fall with the season’s tides, making it notoriously unpredictable,” he said.
The tactician acknowledged that as the season progresses, the challenges will, undoubtedly, intensify. “Each match will test the players’ resilience, skill, and unity,” he said.
However, with a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to their goals, Kenya Police FC is poised to navigate these trials. The road to the title is long and winding, but with every point earned, they inch closer to their dream.”
In other matches, Bandari pipped Murang’a Seal 3-2 at St Sebastian Park while Kariobangi Sharks and Shabana played out a barren draw at Gusii stadium.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani is convinced his players still have the mojo to crack the elusive title.
Ambani spoke after Kayci Odhiambo’s 76th-minute goal inspired Ingwe to fourth on the log following a hardfought 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.
“AFC Leopards, affectionately known as Ingwe, has long been a powerhouse in Kenyan football, but recent seasons have seen the club grappling with inconsistency and frustration. The weight of expectations, coupled with the pressure to reclaim our former glory, has often been overwhelming,” he said.
“The victory against Nairobi City Stars was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a statement of our determination and the will to fi ght until the very end.”
However, he asked his players to step on the gas pedal.
