Exclusive: Sakari Tips Ndayiragije to Turn Kenya Police From Relegation Candidates to League Champions

Kenya Police right-back Daniel Sakari has tipped the club's new head coach Etienne Ndayiragije to turn their fortunes around from relegation candidates to wrestling the league title from the hands of Gor Mahia.

Police hired the experienced Burundian coach last week after experiencing a disastrous start, in the season under Anthony Kimani, which could prove costly in their bid for their maiden league title.

Kimani and the entire technical bench were shown the door after winning a single game in the opening seven rounds of the season.

Police acquired the services of Kimani before the start of the season to meet the Club Licensing requirements but, the CAF A coaching license holder struggled to get positive results despite the depth and quality in the playing unit.

The poor run the team experienced under Kimani is seen as a massive dent as far as the league title race is concerned but Sakari is confident that Ndayiragije will right the wrongs and win the title.

NDAYIRAGIJE WILL DELIVER LEAGUE TITLE

Despite starting his reign with a loss, Sakari is rooting for Ndayiragije to bridge the huge gap between Police and league leaders and, eventually win the league crown.

Ndayiragije kicked off his spell at Police with a 1-0 defeat to AFC Leopards but, redeemed himself in the subsequent match as the law enforcers beat Nairobi City Stars 3-1.

Police, who have been recruiting big names during the transfer windows, are currently trailing log leaders KCB by a massive 11 points. There is a possibility of whittling the gap to five points if Police secure maximum points in the two matches in hand.

Sakari, who comfortably plays on the right and left side of the defence, claimed that Ndayiragije had the ability to get the best from the players and dethrone Gor Mahia.

He said the former KMC coach had demonstrated ability to compete for titles in his previous workstations and his methods were well embraced by Police players.

"I believe we will win the league title under the new head coach. Everyone at Police likes his philosophy and how professional he has been in his duties. He is soft-spoken and wants every player to give their best in training and match days. He believes that we are good enough to catch up with the rest and win the league title," said Sakari in a telephone interview with SportsBoom.co.za.

IT IS TOO EARLY TO RULE POLICE OUT

Slow take-offs and making unnecessary changes in the technical bench have, in the past, been blamed for the club's inability to lay hands on the league title despite being one of the best-paying in the league.

The script has not been any different this season but Sakari, who joined before the start of the season from Tusker, feels time is on their side to catch up and beat the rest to the title.

The Harambee Stars defender warned pundits against writing off Police saying the 46-year-old coach is determined to prove them wrong and write history as the one, who lifted the club from the abyss to the podium.

"There is time to close in and secure our main objective of the season. We would have been worried if we had played more than half a season or if the top team had won at least 18 matches. The coach believes that we will deliver if every player remains aggressive and driven by hunger to win titles," said the former Kakamega Homeboyz defender.

NDAYIRAGIJE WILL MAKE DIFFERENCE IN CONTINENTAL MATCHES

Police debuted in continental football last season but, couldn't make it to the knockout stages of the Confederation Cup as they were tossed out by Egyptian giants Zamalek.

With the club eyeing the league title and hoping to retain the Mozzart Bet Cup, Sakari is counting on Ndayiragije'continental experience to help the team outdo itself in continental assignments.

The former Azam coach has handled the Tanzania and Burundi national teams and has tasted continental action at the club level.

"He knows how to prepare teams for such kind of matches. His experience will play a huge role as far as reaching the knockout stages is concerned," said Sakari.