Police FC to partner with Betika for ladies, youth teams
Police FC said the new deal had been instrumental to its operations.
Coach Ndayiragije over the moon as Kenya Police win first Kenya Premier League title.
In Summary
Brian Okoth's 75th-minute header won Police FC their maiden Kenyan Premier League title at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday.
Police needed only a point to secure the coveted silverware, but in a display of unyielding spirit, they went the extra mile, sealing their fate with a flourish that underscored their ambition.
As the clock ticked into the 75th minute, Okoth soared above defenders, his header slicing through the air with precision and power. The net rippled, and with it, the hopes and dreams of the Police FC faithful erupted into jubilant celebration.
The roar of the crowd, a symphony of joy, echoed through the stadium, encapsulating the essence of victory.
The backdrop of this historic achievement was painted under the pressure of competition. Police FC's closest rivals, Gor Mahia, were leading their encounter against Ulinzi Stars, intensifying the stakes for the law enforcers.
The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air, yet it was this very pressure that galvanised Police FC into action.
Police FC head coach Etienne Ndayiragije was over the moon after his marauding charges handed him one of his biggest gifts in his stellar career after joining the side mid in the season.
In the aftermath of the match, Ndayiragije was a portrait of elation. "I'm lost for words. I don't know what to say. With my adrenaline pumping through my veins, I feel like shouting with excitement," he said.
The season had tested their mettle, presenting them with worthy adversaries at every turn. Ndayiragije’s reflections on the campaign were imbued with gratitude and ambition.
"We've worked so hard for this, and I'm happy we now have it after a huge struggle. We wish to congratulate our opponents, and particularly, Gor Mahia, for piling the pressure on us and forcing us to push above our weight. It was a tough season with worthy opponents, and we hope to replicate this next season," he said.
"Our next focus is to prepare well for the continental stage. We tasted it this season while participating in the CAF Confederation Cup, but this is a bigger stage that requires us to step up our efforts," he added.
"I have a lot of confidence in the current squad, but we shall be going into the transfer market to bolster the squad," he said.
In the shadows of this monumental victory, Shabana’s head coach, Peter Okidi, reflected on his team’s performance with a mixture of pride and disappointment.
"Save for the penalty that I feel we should have been given in the dying minutes of the game, I think everything went well. We only failed to find the back of the net, which I think we should have given the numerous chances we created," he said.
"We kicked off the season slowly, and finishing among the top five is a big win for us. We hope to go several steps further next season, and if possible, clinch the title after coming close this season," he said.
"I wish to congratulate Police for running away with the title," he added. Elsewhere, Gor Mahia will now battle for a second-place finish despite thrashing Ulinzi Stars 3-1 in their penultimate encounter of the season. They face Police in their final match.
In other matches, Kakamega Homeboyz beat Bidco 1-0 to go third after Tusker played out a barren draw against Kariobangi Sharks. Ten-man AFC Leopards thrashed Talanta 3-1 while Nairobi City Stars beat KCB 2-1 to reignite their survival hopes. Sofapaka beat Posta Rangers 2-,1 while Mara Sugar and Murang'a Seal played out a goalless draw.
Police FC said the new deal had been instrumental to its operations.