Only pride at stake as Police renew rivalry with Ulinzi in Forces Derby

That there exists a superiority tiff between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Police can never be denied. It's an age-old thing.

The arrival of Kenya Police FC in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) a couple of seasons ago only ensured that this rivalry took a football twist with KDF-backed Ulinzi Stars being the target.

The two forces are already at each other's throat in other sporting codes notably Athletics where they never hesitate to snap up that budding talent with a job offer being the notable carrot dangled.

Realistically out of contention for the FKFPL title this season with just four games left, Ulinzi Stars and Police FC are scheduled to clash at Nyayo Stadium on Friday with pride the only priced asset on offer.

In the league, this fixture is yet to produce a winner in the last three outings, however, Ulinzi Stars will feel boisterous heading into the fixture, having beaten Police FC 2-1 in the Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinals in their most recent encounter in April.

Yet, the Nakuru-based side have some housekeeping issues to sort out with word filtering out that their coach Bernard Mwalala could be on his way out, an allegation he has come out to strongly deny.

He spelt out his target for the remainder of the league after failing to make the Mozzart Bet Cup final.

"We can't dwell on the past. That's water under the bridge now and our focus now shifts back to the Kenyan Premier League where we hope to wrap up among the top five this season," he said.

Ulinzi were bundled out of the country's oldest knockout tournament, which is sponsored by Mozzart Bet, in the semis after going down 1-0 to Tusker FC on Saturday.

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Conversely, Police FC, which is led by coach Francis Baraza, is a galaxy of stars, the top cream of local talent. In the last Harambee Stars call up, they produced a majority of five players. No doubt, theirs in a squad composed of quality players, who have punched below expectations.

A poor start to the season burst their title ambitions. Not even a change of coach in between could salvage it.

A win against Ulinzi Stars would thus be a serious morale booster as the competition nears the tail end of business, and as they plan another stab at the crown next season.

Surprisingly, Baraza is still clutching on to thin title hopes despite being placed fourth on the table standings, eight points off leaders Tusker FC.

"We still have hopes. We all have five remaining games and I'll push until the last match. We are only focusing on our matches to get maximum points and wait for the outcome of the league and anything can happen," he noted.

Compared to Stars who have only managed two wins in their previous league games, Police boasts an impressive four of five win rate and are clear favorites, but a rivalry like this, knows no form.