‘A Big Challenge’ – Kenya Police Boss Believes Harambee Stars Absences Hurting CAF CL Preparations

Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has admitted that player unavailability during the preseason, owing to Harambee Stars commitments, has significantly affected his side’s CAF Champions League preparations.

Police narrowly advanced to the second preliminary round after edging Mogadishu City FC on the away goals rule, despite losing 2-0 in last Sunday’s second leg at Nyayo Stadium. The aggregate score stood at 3-3, allowing the Law Enforcers to scrape through.

Speaking after the game, Ndayiragije expressed relief that his charges managed to meet their primary objective of advancing to the next round.

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“The main aim was to progress, and we are grateful to have qualified,” he said.

The coach made bold decisions in the Mogadishu clash, leaving out regulars such as Abud Omar and Clinton Kinanga to give other players much-needed minutes. However, the gamble nearly backfired as Police were forced to hold firm after conceding twice.

Ndayiragije defended his decisions, stressing that team balance always takes precedence over individuals.

“In football, only 11 players can play. You get red-carded if you field more. It is about choosing the squad that best fits certain games,” he explained.

The tactician lamented the lack of a full squad during preseason, with five Police players — Omar, Daniel Sakari, Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, Marvine Nabwire, and Brian Musa — away on international duty with Kenya at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The challenge will persist, as Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has once again called up Omar, Sakari, and Nabwire for the upcoming October international window, meaning Ndayiragije will be deprived of key players during another crucial preparation phase.

“It was difficult to have every player available over preseason. Most of them were with the national team, and they are set to leave again. It is a big challenge, but we must find a way to help those remaining gel while waiting for the internationals to return,” he noted.

Police are scheduled to begin their FKF Premier League campaign against Sofapaka next weekend before the international break. For Ndayiragije, that fixture is vital in sharpening his squad ahead of the continental test.

“It will help a lot because it will allow us to gain rhythm. The more games we play, the closer we get to the level we want in order to be ready to face Al Hilal,” he said.

Kenya Police will take on Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omurudan in October, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stage at stake.