As they prepare for their inaugural season in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, the newly crowned champions of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, Kenya Police FC, have been advised to bolster their squad, with a particular emphasis on securing a potent striker.
The law enforcement side is set to represent Kenya in the prestigious inter-club competition commencing in September, following their first-ever league title triumph. Police clinched the championship with a game to spare after edging out Shabana 1-0 on Sunday, June 15th.
Despite this victory, they had to wait until the season’s final day, June 22nd, to lift the trophy after their match against fellow champions Gor Mahia concluded in a 1-1 stalemate. Kenya Police finished the league with 65 points, six ahead of second-placed K’Ogalo, while Kakamega Homeboyz secured third place with 58 points.
Under the guidance of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, who took command at the end of November when the team was languishing at the bottom of the 18-team league table, Police managed to turn their fortunes around spectacularly. Their earlier struggle had led to the dismissal of coaches Anthony Kimani and Salim Babu.
Under Ndayiragije’s leadership, which began at the end of November while the team was in 17th position and facing relegation, the former Burundi national team coach and ex-Azam FC of Tanzania coach managed to establish stability and ultimately led the club to this historic achievement.
Police concluded the campaign with 18 wins, 11 draws, and 5 losses, whereas Gor Mahia recorded 16 wins, 11 draws, and 7 defeats.
A Striker Should be a Priority
As they gear up for their first Champions League venture, former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars midfielder Charles Okwemba has highlighted the necessity for Police to enhance their squad, particularly in the striking department.
The 45-year-old emphasised that participating in the CAF tournament necessitates a competitive team capable of consistently winning matches. He further remarked that a successful campaign hinges on having an experienced squad familiar with the highest levels of competition.
In the recently concluded season, Police netted 38 goals across 34 matches while conceding 17. In comparison, Gor Mahia led the scoring charts with 47 goals alongside 24 conceded, while Bidco United managed the fewest with 21 goals.
“Do you genuinely believe they can progress past the group stages with their current squad?” Okwemba questioned before adding: “If they intend to advance beyond the group stage, there’s no shortcut; they must strengthen their squad with high-calibre signings both locally and internationally.”
Okwemba has also suggested that in addition to recruiting new talent, the team should arrange friendly matches against formidable African sides to assess their readiness prior to the Champions League group stage.
“Engaging in high-quality friendly matches should be a priority, whether it involves scheduling fixtures with European clubs or arranging cross-border matches, this will enable the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s preparedness,” proposed Okwemba.
“Clubs from neighbouring Tanzania, especially Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC), have achieved significant success in inter-club competitions in recent years, and Police should consult with them on the strategies necessary for advancing past the early rounds.”
Okwemba added: “The management needs to ensure players maintain their fitness and conditioning to endure the full match duration, unlike in previous instances where some players struggled late in the game. The coaching staff should focus on instilling a winning mentality among the players.”
Nonetheless, Okwemba acknowledged the valid efforts of Police management in dethroning Gor Mahia from the league title, asserting that the same resolve can lead to a successful Champions League run.
“With substantial financial backing from their employers and sponsors, I have no doubt regarding the importance they place on performing in the Champions League, and the management is likely to enhance their efforts to ensure the team excels; after all, their league victory demonstrates this capability,” Okwemba explained.
In the previous season, Police participated in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the domestic FKF Cup but were unable to progress beyond the second preliminary round. They faced Ethiopian Coffee in the first preliminary round, drawing 0-0 in Nairobi before winning 1-0 away in Addis Ababa to advance 1-0 on aggregate, only to be eliminated by Zamalek of Egypt in the next round, losing 1-0 in Nairobi and 2-1 in Cairo for a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
Gor Mahia’s Lack of Edge
Okwemba noted that Gor Mahia’s ambitions for a third consecutive Premier League title were hindered by deficiencies in key areas compounded by issues within the technical team.
K’Ogalo faced a challenging start to the season, leading to the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Martins Neiva after just six matches due to unsatisfactory results. His assistants Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam were elevated to interim coaching roles.
“Gor Mahia encountered difficulties this season, primarily due to a lack of cutting edge in critical moments, undermined further by challenges faced within their coaching staff,” Okwemba stated.
Reflecting on the changing landscape at the Premier League summit after two seasons, Okwemba remarked, “This shift at the top is beneficial; it may encourage other ‘sleeping giants’ to awaken and strive to challenge Police for the title next season.”
Besides Police, other clubs that have qualified for the Champions League include Al Ahly SC, RS Berkane, AS FAR, Pyramids FC, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, US Monastir, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Simba SC, Young Africans, Rahimo, FC Nouadhibou, Al Hilal, Al Merreikh, Petro Atletico, Remo Stars, Vipers SC, Mangasport, Fassell, Lioli, and Aigle Noir.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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