Newly appointed Police FC head coach Dusan Stojanovic/POLICEFCWhen Dusan Stojanovic stepped onto the training pitch at Police Sacco Stadium on Monday, the Nairobi sun hung low and hot over the skyline. It was a quiet moment that marked the start of a new era for Kenya Police FC.
By Wednesday, the 44-year-old Serbian will discover what it truly means to manage the reigning champions, whose hunger now extends beyond trophies. His first test comes against Sofapaka—a side with history, pride, and a point to prove.
Stojanovic, calm and precise, has built his reputation across Africa and Eastern Europe. From Belgrade to Kampala and from Zamalek to Zarkovo, he has earned respect as a builder rather than a star. “I came for the project, not the paycheck,” he said after his first session. “Police have identity, structure, purpose. Now we find the rhythm.”
He replaces Etienne Ndayiragije, who delivered Police’s first-ever league crown before a 4-1 defeat to Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, cutting short his tenure.
Club chairman Nyale Munga insists this is renewal, not rupture. “Dusan brings order,” he said. “He’s lifted the tempo — sharper drills, more communication, more accountability," he said.
Stojanovic’s methods reflect his mindset. Training is brisk, intense and detailed. “He’s everywhere,” one player said. “You think you’ve done something right — and then he stops everything to fix your body shape.”
He prefers precision to showmanship, speaking of “zones”, “triggers” and “distances”. Yet his goals are ambitious. “This club wants more than trophies,” he said. “It wants legacy. That’s why I came.”
Across town, Sofapaka are unbeaten in three under Ezekiel Akwana, who welcomes the challenge. “We respect Police,” he said. “But we’re not here to clap for anyone. We’re here to compete.”
Once known for free-flowing football, Sofapaka now play with grit and energy.
“New coaches bring emotion,” Akwana added. “We’ll match that — and see where it takes us.”
For Police, this is about evolution—blending structure with creativity. Stojanovic believes Kenyan football has something special.
“Football here has soul,” he said. “It’s raw, emotional, alive. That’s what keeps me travelling.”
Victory on Wednesday would make him an instant hero. Defeat would bring questions about yet another European gamble. Either way, his journey has begun.
