South Sudan captain Toha Rashid is keen to lead Kenya Police to the Kenyan Premier League title next year after helping them to a maiden FKF Cup in his debut.
Rashid is satisfied with the silverware and a chance to play continental football next season.
Police beat KCB 8-7 on post-match penalties in the FKF Cup final on June 29, with Rashid converting the second spot kick for the law enforcers.
It is the Police’s first domestic title. Rashid believes a double was possible.
“We started the season badly, maybe because a majority of the players were new. Had we started well, we would have grabbed a double. We had a good run of 19 games including 11 wins and three draws in the Premier League and four wins in the FKF Cup,” said Rashid.
The versatile defender, who can also play in the midfield, joined Police from Uganda Premier League side, Arua Hill, on a two-year deal. It didn’t take him long to adopt.
Alongside international teammate — Tito Okello — they were welcomed by a friendly and professional dressing room.
“Tito is a good friend of mine. We played together in the Ugandan league and we’re also international teammates. We missed him in the final due to injury but we ensured his 20 goals in all competitions were rewarded with silverware,” added Rashid.
Rashid played alongside captain Musa Mohammed, David “Cheche” Ochieng’, Baraka Badi and Aboud Omar in the law enforcers’ rear guard. They conceded only 28 goals in the league, a record bettered by only Gor Mahia (20) and Tusker (26).
“The Kenyan Premier League is very competitive, you beat a top-four side today, but end up falling to a mid-table or bottom side three days later. Finishing third was fair enough and winning the FKF Cup was one of my happiest moments since it was my first major title, thanks to the experienced Police squad,” said Rashid.
The humble giant, who stands at six foot five inches, praised head coach Salim Babu, teammates, Police FC management and fans for their support.
Apart from wrestling the KPL title from Gor Mahia, Rashid expects a good outing in the Caf Confederation Cup.
He also hopes to lead his motherland South Sudan to a maiden Africa Cup of Nations tournament. They face Uganda, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa in Group ‘K’ of the qualifiers.