NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 7 – Kenya Police FC were struggling to knit results before Francis Baraza joined them early December and now, since the arrival of the former Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar head coach, the law enforcers have only lost once, to AFC Leopards.
Since December 6 when he took charge, Police have played 11 matches. They have won seven, drawn three and lost just one, and the results have seen them rise to fifth spot with 24 points, just four shy of leaders Nzoia Sugar who have played a match more.
“Personally, I didn’t expect the team to rise like this but I congratulate them on the run. For us, we are looking at each game as it comes. Every game is unpredictable and you have to give your best,” the tactician noted.
“The best is yet to come. I have just flushed my lights on. The ability of this team is huge and anyone who comes at us, I am ready for them and the boys are ready for them,” a confident Baraza notes.
The tactician returned to the country after a long stint in Tanzania where he worked at Biashara United and Kagera Sugar.
He hopes his return home will end up on a victorious note, with the league title not a far fetched idea looking at the quality in his side and how they are currently playing.
But, he says the title is not on his mind. “For us, we are not even thinking of the title. We are just playing our games and enjoying.”
Among the players who have been key for his side include striker Elvis Rupia who has found his scoring boots on, with 10 goals so far this season.
The Nakuru-born goal poacher, nicknamed ‘Machapo’ has found his scoring mojo after struggling last season following his return from a short stint in the Arab world.
He had been lined up to be shipped out of the club at the start of the season, but he was given a second chance and is now proving his doubters wrong.
Rupia’s best scoring season was in the 2018 season when he had 15 goals with Nzoia Sugar before leaving for an unsuccessful stint in Zambia.
Baraza’s midfield has also been a key area of their success, the partnership between Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire and Patillah Omotto running the engine room in which the Police vehicle locomotes.
Police next face off with Nairobi City Stars at the Kasarani Annex in an early kick off on Wednesday and victory can potentially land them into the top two.
City Stars have had improved performances after a poor start to the season and despite losses in their last two matches, head coach Nicholas Muyoti has taken the positives, regardless of how controversial the defeats were.
The two sides have already met twice during the Elite Pre-Season tournament with Police winning the final while the two sides drew in the first round match of the same tournament.
