Newly-appointed Kenya Police head coach, Francis Baraza, has promised to transform the side into title contenders after a disastrous start to the season.
Baraza took over as coach a fortnight ago and has only managed one league game so far, a draw against coastal side Bandari.
“I’ve only been with the team for a short time, and you may have noticed that in my first match as manager against Bandari, I kept the same squad that had played the previous three matches of the season,” Baraza said.
The seasoned gaffer has requested more time to restore order.
“I’ll be closely observing the team to determine the specific areas where we need to improve. I will need a few matches to know the full capacity of my team,” he said. “There’s usually a big difference between how the players perform in training and how they perform in games.”
Despite their rocky start, Baraza expects his team to prove their worth as they make their second appearance in the top flight since their promotion in 2018.
“All I can say now is that the team is full of quality players and we will do everything we can to push them towards good results,” said the coach.
Baraza landed his new role on November 6 after the law enforcers sent his predecessor, Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, was sent packing under unclear circumstances.
Former Harambee Stars captain Musa ‘Otero’ Otieno resigned as an assistant coach a few days before Omollo left, indicating that things were not going well at the club.
This development came after the team suffered two consecutive league losses this season.
Kenya Police lost their season opener 1-0 to KCB before falling 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz. This is despite the club investing heavily in the last two transfer windows, bringing in quality and experienced players.
The cops’ next assignment pits them against high-riding Sofapaka, who are straight from winning the Jamhuri Day Cup, at Moi Stadium Kasarani on Wednesday.
Baraza will rely on his impressive coaching credentials and wealth of experience to instill the much-needed zeal in the team.
A former Kenyan international, Baraza led Sony Sugar to their first and only top-flight title in 2006. He was an assistant coach at KPL behemoths Tusker before being appointed Western Stima head coach and had a spell at the defunct Chemelil Sugar.
He joined Police after parting ways with Tanzania’s top-tier league side, Kagera Sugar.
During his playing career, Baraza turned out for AFC Leopards, Shabana, Oserian, Nakuru All Stars and Eldoret KCC.
