Kenya Police FC coach Etienne Ndayiragije (in blue) in a previous training session/ HANDOUTThe law enforcers booked a ticket to their maiden appearance at the continent's grand stage after clinching their first-ever KPL title, amassing 65 points.
All-time KPL champions Gor Mahia placed second with 59 points, while Kakamega Homeboyz were third with 58 points. The tactician, who masterminded the club’s title-winning campaign, believes depth and internal competition will be key to competing on the continent.
"I would like to bring competition within the team with four or six players to challenge those who are already here," Ndayiragije said on Thursday after being awarded the SJAK (Sports Journalist Association of Kenya) coach of the month award for June at Police Sacco stadium. "We are looking at bringing in new players to uplift the level of play within the team," he added.
But Ndayiragije was quick to acknowledge the financial demands that come with building a squad fit for continental football. "We will have to have a sit-down with the club leaders because going into the transfer market requires a lot of money," he stated.
The Burundian coach, who has turned Kenya Police into a well-drilled unit in just a short spell, is well aware of the gulf in class between domestic and continental football.
"This is continental-level football, and it's tough. We have to be tough to aim high and achieve our targets," he added.
He, however, remains bullish in his quest to see Police become the first Kenyan squad to punch their ticket to the CAF Champions League group phase.
No Kenyan club has ever made it to the group stage of the competition, with the likes of Tusker FC, Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars often exiting the competition at the first hurdle.
"As we represent Kenya, we hope for the best. Whenever I get into a competition, I always want to win, so we have to be at our best."
With the 2024/25 league season now on a break, Ndayiragije has already laid down the gauntlet to his charges, urging them to stay fit ahead of a demanding campaign.
"Before the players went for their break, I spoke with them and told them they have to know that the league is over, but they are still the defending champions," Ndayiragije noted.
"I gave them one week rest and from the second week asked them to begin individual training because once they lose their fitness, it will take some time to recover when the season resumes."
The coach is pleased with the early signs, noting that several players have already taken the initiative to maintain their fitness. "I am glad because I have seen some of them doing some morning and afternoon jogging and other exercises to keep up their fitness levels."
"Once they get back to full training, we will know where they are and then pick up from there," he noted.
