NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – Francis Baraza is the latest entrant into the revolving door that is the Kenya Police FC coaching job, and he sounds confident that he can turn the fortunes of the team around, despite being winless so far in the FKF Premier League.
Baraza, previously in Tanzania with Biashara United and Kagera Sugar was named coach to take over from Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollow ho was fired barely a year into the job after a difficult start to the campaign.
Omollo was appointed the team’s head coach last March but had a difficult start to the season despite much investment in bringing new personnel into the playing unit.
Winless in four matches and 14th in the standings, Baraza has his work cut out, but he believes he has a secret ingredient to turn the fortunes around.
“I have faith in the team because the season has just started. We have played four games and we can still rescue our campaign. It is too early to take us out of the equation. If we win one or two matches, I believe it will take us somewhere and give us confidence,” said the tactician.
He added; “I am still getting to learn the team and learn the players. I wouldn’t want to change much but just look at what is there and fix one or two things.”
Police have two draws and two losses and one of the biggest weaknesses they have in the first four outings of the season is their low conversion rate. They have only scored once, in their last match, a 1-1 draw with Sofapaka.
“We are creating chances and at least that is a good place to start from. Now we need to work on converting those into goals and ensuring that we can defend our leads. Against Sofapaka we were leading but conceded a very easy goal. We have to tighten in all areas,” the tactician said.
But is he confident he can get the team out of jail and give them the joy of a winning feeling?
“I am confident I can. I don’t have a doubt about it. We just need to keep believing as a team,” Baraza added.
The tactician hopes for a three-point haul on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Wazito FC in the late kick off at the Kasarani Annex.
The new-look Wazito, under a new management, are only playing their second match of the season after a delayed start due to cases at the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
The team is coached by Jeff Odongo, previously an assistant to Fred Ambani under the previous ownership and are now based in Kisumu.
This might be an opportunity for Police to strike their first win of the season especially with the new outfit yet to completely settle in and gel together.
Meanwhile in the early kick off, Sofapaka, with their head coach David Ouma still over the moon for their Jamhuri Cup penalty-win, will take on FC Talanta, who suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Ulinzi Stars in their last match.
Just like Police, Batoto ba Mungu are winless in six matches this season with four wins and two losses. Their coach, David Ouma, gloats that he has one of the best teams in the league, despite their performance.
“We are playing well and as a coach I am happy with the spirit my players have shown. I believe we are still in the race for the title and if you look at how much we have improved as a team, then you will understand where I am coming from,” the coach said.
He added; Ï took this team when they were number 14 in the league and we finished in the top eight. This season, we have also shown good performances despite the fact that we haven’t won. I believe it is just a matter of time before we pick our first win of the season,” added the coach.
Talanta meanwhile are hungry for a result as they have won once in four matches with two defeats and a draw.
In other matches, high-flying Ulinzi Stars are at home to Mathare United, another side playing their second match of the season due to cases at the Tribunal.
Ulinzi, playing at their Lang’ata backyard, will fancy their chances against a Mathare side yet to gel in and build a solid side, having also started their pre-season training late due to uncertainties around the league and which division they would play in.
FKF PL Fixtures:
Sofapaka FC vs FC Talanta, Kenya Police vs Wazito (Kasarani Annex), Gor Mahia vs KCB (Kasarani Stadium), Tusker FC vs Vihiga Bullets (Ruaraka), Bandari FC vs Posta Rangers (Mombasa), Kakamega Homeboyz vs Kariobangi Sharks (Bukhungu), Bidco United vs Nzoia Sugar (Thika Stadium), Nairobi City Stars vs AFC Leopards (Nyayo National Stadium), Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United (Ulinzi Sports Complex).
