Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has reiterated their desire to wrap up the season with a silverware.
The Nairobi-based team is now solely focused on winning the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after failing to advance past Mara Sugar in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup.
Police, bruised but not broken after their FKF Cup exit, stand poised on the brink of glory. Ndayiragije, a stoic figure etched with the wisdom of countless battles, spoke of silverware, of a season's culmination not in bitter defeat, but in the sweet taste of victory.
Yet, in the face of adversity, the Burundian gaffer remains steadfast in his belief that the KPL title is within reach, noting that their campaign has gained new urgency.
Ndayiragije said the team stands at a critical juncture, poised to transform their aspirations into reality.
With 61 points in the league standings, Kenya Police find themselves in a position of strength, seven points ahead of their closest rivals, Gor Mahia, who have a game in hand.
They will tuck away the title if they win their remaining two matches against Shabana and Gor Mahia.
"We are still determined to clinch the KPL title, and the urge has grown twofold because it is the only thing we have left," he said.
The loss to Mara Sugar stings, a harsh lesson learned in the crucible of penalty kicks. It's a wound that festers, a reminder of what could have been.
Yet, this setback, far from crippling the team, has ignited a fire within them. Ndayiragije said the loss served as a catalyst for reflection within the squad, adding that the ability to analyse and learn from setbacks is a hallmark of successful teams.
The prospect of competing on a continental stage adds a layer of incentive for the team.
"We all feel disappointed we were eliminated from the FKF Cup, and we are working hard to ensure we win the league to keep our dreams of playing continental football alive," he said.
Ndayiragije said his charges exhibited great character against Mara in their FKF Cup quarterfinal exit at Dandora Stadium over the weekend.
"We played well and everything seemed to be going well until penalties happened. We could have avoided the disappointment if we had scored in regulation time, but that's now water under the bridge," he said.
The KPL title, now the sole focus, has become a beacon, guiding them through the darkness of disappointment. With a commanding seven-point lead over Gor Mahia, the path to continental glory seems within reach.
The showdown against Shabana on June 11 is a pivotal moment that could define the trajectory of their season. A victory would not only bolster their points tally but also serve as a statement of intent to their rivals.
Ndayiragije reckons the players, fueled by the desire to redeem themselves after the FKF Cup exit, will undoubtedly approach the match with a heightened sense of urgency and determination.
"We are facing Shabana on June 11, and all our focus is on collecting maximum points. We need to win all our matches to avoid another disappointment," he said.
Moreover, the dynamics of the KPL title race intensify with the looming presence of Gor Mahia, who are breathing heavily on their necks.
The players, fueled by a desire for redemption, will approach these final encounters with a ferocity born of necessity.
The dream of continental football, once a distant possibility, now burns brighter than ever. The silverware, a symbol of triumph and resilience, awaits.
