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Ndayiragije Etienne was unveiled as Kenya Police's new coach on Saturday after the side parted ways with Anthony 'Modo' Kimani.
New Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has explained why he opted to accept the job amid the side’s poor start to the season.
The seasoned coach, with a stellar track record at both club and international levels, takes the helm at a time when the team is battling to find its footing in a difficult season.
The Burundian brings with him a wealth of experience, having managed notable teams such as Tanzania's national side, Vital’O FC in Burundi, Azam FC in the Tanzanian league, and Rwanda's Bugesera FC. His decision to join Kenya Police FC signals his confidence in the team's potential despite its current struggles.
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For Ndayiragije, the decision was rooted in a shared vision with the club's management.
“I think my ambitions as well as the club’s are well aligned, which is why I chose the job,” he explained during his unveiling. “I hope my experience will come in handy in collaboration with the management’s support.”
The new coach acknowledged the talent already within the squad and expressed optimism about turning their fortunes around.
“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 added.
Kenya Police FC currently sits 17th in the league, with just one win and a draw in seven matches. Ndayiragije's immediate challenge is steering the team out of the relegation zone. Yet, his decision to take on this daunting task reflects his hunger for a fresh challenge.
“This is a competitive league, which is why I decided to come for a new challenge,” he said. “We will go a game at a time. 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.”
Ndayiragije’s familiarity with Kenyan football played a significant role in his decision. During his tenure as the Tanzanian national team coach, he had the opportunity to observe Kenyan players through Azam TV’s coverage.
“Thanks to Azam TV, we were able to keep track of some Burundi players in Kenya while I was the national team manager. I have followed them for a while, so I am aware of almost all the teams,” he revealed.
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Despite the team’s current struggles, Ndayiragije is setting his sights high. He aims to retain the trophies the club has already won and qualify for continental football, where he hopes to make Kenya Police FC a competitive force.
“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.
Ndayiragije’s arrival follows the dismissal of Anthony Kimani, with interim coach Beldine Odemba stepping in temporarily. While several candidates, including Robert Matano, were considered for the position, Ndayiragije’s selection underscores the club’s ambition for a brighter future.
The journey ahead is tough, but with his proven expertise and unwavering belief in the team, Ndayiragije is poised to lead Kenya Police toward stability and success. Fans will be eager to see if this bold appointment will transform the club’s fortunes and fulfill its lofty ambitions.
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