Ndayiragije Etienne, the newly appointed head coach of Kenya Police FC, has outlined the reasons behind his decision to take on the challenge of managing a club currently grappling with a poor start to the season. Despite the team’s struggles, the seasoned Burundian coach expressed confidence in both his abilities and the potential of the squad. His appointment comes after the club parted ways with Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani, and the club is now aiming to turn things around under Ndayiragije’s guidance.
Ndayiragije brings a wealth of experience to Kenya Police FC, having previously managed several high-profile clubs and national teams, including Tanzania’s national team, Vital’O FC in Burundi, Azam FC in Tanzania, and Bugesera FC in Rwanda. His extensive background in both domestic and international football offers a strong foundation for his new role, especially as he looks to revive the fortunes of a team sitting 17th in the league standings. With just one win and a draw from the first seven matches, the team is in a precarious position, and Ndayiragije’s immediate task is to guide them out of the relegation zone.
In his unveiling as Kenya Police FC’s head coach, Ndayiragije spoke about his shared vision with the club’s management as a driving factor behind his decision to join. He emphasized that his ambitions align with those of the club, making the opportunity an exciting one. “I think my ambitions as well as the club’s are well aligned, which is why I chose the job,” he said. The coach’s confidence in the team’s potential was clear, as he acknowledged the talent already present within the squad, expressing optimism about their ability to turn things around.
Ndayiragije is determined to elevate Kenya Police FC not just within the local league, but also on the continental stage. His aim is to transform the club into one of the top teams in Kenya and, ultimately, a competitive force in Africa. “They signed good players. I am confident that we will achieve our targets of making Kenya Police the crème de la crème club not just in Kenya, but in Africa,” he remarked. His belief in the team’s potential stems from his keen observation of Kenyan football, which he had followed closely during his time as the national team coach of Tanzania. Through Azam TV’s broadcasts, he gained insight into the quality of Kenyan players, which he believes can be harnessed for the club’s benefit.
Despite the club’s current form, Ndayiragije is approaching his new role with a sense of excitement. The competitive nature of the league is one of the reasons he was drawn to the challenge. “This is a competitive league, which is why I decided to come for a new challenge,” he explained. Ndayiragije understands that success won’t come overnight, and his strategy involves taking things “a game at a time.” Beyond immediate results, he also seeks to foster player development, both on and off the pitch. His vision includes improving the overall quality of the squad and ensuring that the players set an example for others in the league.
The coach’s short-term goals include stabilizing the team’s position in the league and ensuring that they continue to build on their successes. “Our aim is also to make sure that all our players improve to a high level both on and off the pitch in order to set an example to the rest,” he added. This focus on individual player growth is part of Ndayiragije’s broader strategy to ensure sustained success.
Looking ahead, Ndayiragije has set ambitious goals for Kenya Police FC. “We have to retain the trophy we already won and then win the rest. Upon qualifying for continental football, we will strive to become even more competitive,” he stated boldly. His long-term vision is to make Kenya Police FC a force to be reckoned with not only in Kenya but also on the African football scene.
Ndayiragije’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, with interim coach Beldine Odemba having stepped in temporarily following Kimani’s departure. While several candidates, including Robert Matano, were considered for the position, Ndayiragije’s appointment underscores the club’s ambition for a brighter future. The challenge ahead is undeniably tough, but with his proven expertise and unwavering belief in the team, Ndayiragije is poised to lead Kenya Police FC toward greater stability and success.
Fans of the club will be eager to see whether Ndayiragije can deliver on his promises and steer the team toward improved performances, helping them achieve their lofty goals and ambitions for the season ahead.
