The odds Kenya Police FC defied to dethrone Gor Mahia, land maiden league crown in 2024/25 season
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 01.07.25. | 07:43
The concluded season was one for the books, as the club had to rise from the red zone, make tough decisions, and capitalize whenever their closest rivals faltered
The 2024/25 campaign began with uncertainty and underwhelming results for Kenya Police FC.
The club juggled between CAF Confederation Cup and league fixtures earlier in the season.
This, and rightly so, saw some of their local assignments pushed back to allow the club to prepare for continental matches.
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After their early exit from continental competition, focus returned to domestic football, but the results did not improve.
In their opening eight FKF Premier League matches, the Law Enforcers managed just one win: a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Mathare United.
By the end of November, Police FC found themselves languishing in 17th place, firmly in the relegation zone.
In response, the club’s top brass made a bold decision to part ways with coach Salim Babu and part of his backroom staff.
Initially, veteran coach Robert Matano was linked to the job, but the club opted for a different direction by appointing Burundian tactician Etienne Ndirayagije. That decision would change everything.
Turning struggles into a title run
Etienne’s tenure began with a narrow 1-0 loss to AFC Leopards, but a stunning transformation followed.
The next match against Nairobi City Stars sparked a five-game winning streak.
Police dropped points in only one of their next ten games, a draw with Kakamega Homeboyz in Machakos, marred by a controversial late equalizer in what turned out to be Patrick Matasi’s final game for the club.
From that point on, the club looked completely different.
“I thank God. I am very happy and coming from relegation to here, it has been God,” said coach Etienne after lifting the title.
“Every team brought its intensity. There was no easy match. We approached every game like a final.”
Strategic moves behind the title
Several bold decisions laid the foundation for the historic success.
Goalkeeping switch
Mid-season, Police released Matasi and promoted Job Ochieng to the starting role.
Ochieng rewarded the club’s faith by winning the 'Golden Glove' with 13 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Matasi, who joined Kakamega Homeboyz, was later banned from football over match-fixing allegations.
A revamped defence
Long-time skipper Musa Mohammed departed for Posta Rangers.
The club built its backline around David 'Cheche' Ochieng, who stepped up as captain, with Brian Okoth, who not only anchored the defence but also chipped in with vital goals, including the title-clinching header against Shabana FC. Together, they led the best defence in the league, conceding just 17 goals.
Impact signings
In February, the club spent Ksh 1 million to bring in Bajaber Mohammed from Nairobi City Stars.
The investment paid off as he scored five important goals and added an attacking spark in the title run-in.
Squad rotation and competition
Outside of Ochieng, Charles Ouma, and Bajaber, no player was guaranteed a starting spot.
This fierce internal competition kept the entire squad on their toes throughout the campaign.
Etienne also prioritized hard-working, tactically disciplined players over technically gifted ones who did not fit his system.
His emphasis on work rate and structure paid off, even if it meant some flair players saw limited minutes.
Opponents falter, Police pounce
While Kenya Police FC built momentum, traditional powerhouses stumbled.
Tusker FC crumbled in the closing stages, while Gor Mahia could not recover from an inconsistent start.
Their missteps allowed Police to edge ahead and eventually wrap up the title.
Perhaps nothing symbolized their title credentials more than this: ten of their victories were 1-0 wins, a testament to their ability to control games and protect leads.
Standout performers
Marvin Nabwire: Once hampered by injuries, the midfielder enjoyed a renaissance, playing a pivotal role from deep and finishing as the club’s top scorer.
Brian Okoth: Commanding at the back, clutch in front of the goal.
His decisive contributions, especially the goal that sealed the title, were crucial.
Job Ochieng: He replaced Matasi between the posts and went on to win the 'Golden Glove' by playing a crucial part in the title win.
Club captain David Ochieng reflected on the tough journey:
“There has been a lot of pressure. The league was incredibly tough. From positions one to ten, teams were safe. Below that, no one knew their fate heading into the final rounds,” he said. “Winning the title shows just how hard we’ve worked in training and on the pitch," added the seasoned defender.
Coach Etienne was full of praise for the team behind the scenes:
“The management, led by chairperson Nyale Munga, has been phenomenal. I have never seen a club president like Munga. He supported us fully, and so did the entire technical bench and playing unit. Everyone played their part. They truly deserve this,” said the Burundian.
From the brink to the summit
What began as a season flirting with relegation turned into a championship fairytale.
In just four years since their promotion to the FKF Premier League, Kenya Police FC are now champions of Kenya, proving that bold decisions, tactical clarity, and team unity can overturn even the bleakest of starts.
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