Police FC head coach Iddi Abdul Salim says they were disappointed by their 2-0 loss to Uganda’s Vipers FC in their international friendly at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kampala on Saturday night.
Iddi, who works alongside Salim Babu, however, believes there are a lot of positives from the match to take home as they build up towards the new 2024/2025 season that kicks off on August 24.
“We played according to plan but our hosts took their chances to emerge victorious. Our new signings also put in a great shift and we learned a lot from the friendly, ”said Iddi.
The Cops were invited for Vipers Day pre-season celebrations to connect with their fans and showcase their team for the new season.
Vipers' recruits Kenneth Kimera and Augsto Mulongo scored in either half for the Venoms to disarm the hard-fighting police.
The FKF Cup champions paraded their recruits in the clash who impressed their new bosses.
Former Tusker FC defender Daniel Sakari and ex-Ingwe winger Jafari Owiti started the game.
In contrast, Senegalese striker Abdou Karim Samb, former Kariobangi Sharks man Geoffrey Onyango and former Tusker man Eric Zakayo all started from the bench.
Kenneth Muguna pulled the strings in midfield while Kenya One goalkeeper Patrick Matasi had a busy day in the goal with captain Musa Mohammed, David Cheche” Ochieng, Aboud Omara and Brian Musa shielding him.
However, Iddi missed last season's scoring striker Tito Okello who departed the team, as his forwards were wasteful in front of goal.
“The players' fitness levels were impressive considering we trained for only one week before the Uganda friendly. We’re also happy with the positive momentum from last season, and will intensify training in readiness for the season,” added Iddi who talked to the star via phone.
The inaugural Vipers Day included a series of activities such as feasting, entertainment and a match between club legends and fans.
The fans beat Legends 2-1 in the exhibition match with former K'Ogallo left-back Godfrey Walusimbi among the notable veterans who broke a sweat.
The law enforcers landed this morning (Monday) and have more friendlies lined up, as they hope to complete the jigsaw puzzle that will see them go past Ethiopia Coffee FC in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first round.
The opener takes place on August 16 at Nyayo National Stadium followed by the second leg on August 23 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
If the Police beat the Ethiopians, Egyptian giants Zamalek await them in the next round.
