Kenya Police FC head coach Etienne Ndayiragije believes they have what it takes to win their first Premier League title after beating Bandari 3-0 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Wednesday.
This was their eighth consecutive victory as they cracked the summit of the Kenyan Premier League log.
The morale-boosting triumph came hot on the heels of another masterstroke act that wrung out a crucial 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal at St. Sebastian Park on Sunday.
“I am pleased with how determined the boys were throughout this game. The result has paved the way for an exciting season,” Ndayiragije stated.
Marvin Nabwire opened the floodgates within 10 minutes of kickoff before Clinton Kinange’s 20th-minute effort doubled the lead going into the breather.
Then, in the closing minutes of the match, sensational striker Jesse Were drove the last nail into Bandari’s casket.
“This triumph not only catapulted us to the summit of the log but also underscored the remarkable transformation that has taken place within the squad,” he said.
Ndayiragije believes the match against Bandari manifested tactical astuteness and unwavering spirit.
“The match against Bandari showcased strategic brilliance and our approach emphasised a balanced blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity,” he said.
He said the players executed their game plan with precision, demonstrating an understanding of their roles that had been cultivated through rigorous training sessions.
“The fluidity of our play was evident, as we transitioned seamlessly between defence and attack, leaving Bandari’s defence in disarray,” he said.
He said the match’s tone was established by the first goal, a brilliantly planned move that ended in a clinical finish.
“It served as a testament to the team’s cohesion and the effectiveness of our tactics. As the match progressed, the players exuded confidence with each pass and movement reflecting their growing synergy.
“The second and third goals were not mere coincidences; they resulted from relentless pressure and an unyielding desire to dominate.”
Ndayiragije noted that perseverance and tenacity have been woven throughout their string of wins and that cultivating a winning mindset has been crucial in changing the team’s fortunes.
“Winning breeds confidence and this was palpably evident in the players’ demeanor as they took to the pitch against Bandari.”
Conversely, the atmosphere surrounding Bandari FC was one of disappointment and introspection.
Head coach Ken Odhiambo, grappling with the ramifications of the defeat, lamented the recent slump in performance that has beset the coastal lads.
Odhiambo said a single defeat can reverberate through a season, altering the trajectory of a team’s aspirations.
“The loss against Kenya Police dealt a significant blow to our title aspirations. Such setbacks can be particularly disheartening in the high-stakes environment of the Kenyan Premier League, where every match carries the weight of ambition,” Odhiambo said.
Elsewhere, AFC Leopards’ enterprising youngster was the toast
of the day, scoring a brace as his
side bounced back emphatically to
thrash KCB 4-2 in a six-goal thriller at the same venue.
