Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndayiragije expects his charges to rekindle their title aspirations after a shock defeat to Mathare United on Thursday.
Despite the defeat, Police are still on top of the Kenyan Premier League standings with 41 points from 22 matches, two better than Tusker in second while champions Gor Mahia are third with 36 points.
Police next host Murang’a Seal at the Police Sacco Stadium on March 1 and Ndayiragije believes they will have addressed their shortcomings to put their hunt for a maiden title back on course.
On Thursday, the law enforcers entered the pitch with high hopes, buoyed by their recent performances and the momentum of an unbeaten streak.
However, the match against Mathare United unfolded unexpectedly with the Slum Boys delivering a masterclass in tenacity and strategy, culminating in a stoppage-time goal by Paul Kinyanjui.
The Burundian gaffer acknowledged the shortcomings that contributed to the loss and emphasised the importance of learning from the experience.
“For a team with aspirations of lifting the championship trophy, such a loss can feel like a signifi - cant setback.” “The abrupt end to our unbeaten streak raised questions about the team’s resilience and ability to handle pressure,” he said.
“It is in the wake of such disappointments that true character is revealed. We should respond to the defeat with a calm reflection rather than despair.”
In the aftermath of the defeat, Ndayiragije articulated a clear strategy for moving forward.
“Rather than allowing the loss to overshadow our ambitions, we shall analyse the game critically, identifying areas for improvement and devising strategies to enhance performance,” he said.
Ndayiragije reckons he is fostering a culture of accountability and resilience within the team.
“This philosophy is crucial, as it empowers players to learn from their mistakes and embrace challenges as opportunities for development,” he said.
They must remain confi dent and focused and train their sights on the coveted prize. “While the loss may momentarily dampen our spirits, it should not overshadow the hard work and dedication that have brought the team to this point in the season,” he observed.
“The journey toward a championship is rarely linear; it is often
marked by peaks and valleys, triumphs and tribulations.”
“The break presents a valuable
opportunity for introspection and
improvement.”
