FKF Premier League side Kenya Police FC has made sweeping changes to its technical team, firing the entire bench led by Salim Babu, the coach who guided the team to victory in the 2024 Mozzart Bet Cup booking a ticket to the club’s first ever CAF Confederations cup assignment. Antony Kimani, who served as head coach during the club’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign, has also been dismissed.
Kimani had temporarily taken over CAF duties because Salim Babu lacked the required CAF A coaching license to lead the team in continental competitions. Despite Babu’s success domestically, the club appears to be looking for a new direction after a string of underwhelming performances.
Abrupt Dismissals After Training At Dandora Stadium
The team’s woes came to a head on Wednesday evening when their training session at Dandora Stadium was abruptly halted. Players and staff were summoned to an emergency meeting at the club’s headquarters in South C, where the decision to sack the technical bench was communicated.
This development follows the firing of Congolese coach Ishmael Balanga, who had been appointed as the club’s technical director just a week earlier. The instability in the club’s management has left players and fans questioning the direction of the once-promising side.
Interim Coach Beldine Odemba Makes History
In a bold move, Kenya Police FC has handed the reins to Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba on an interim basis. Odemba, who also manages Kenya Police Bullets, becomes the second woman in Kenyan football history to coach a men’s Premier League side. She follows in the footsteps of FC Talanta’s Jackline Juma, who made history as the first female coach in the league.
Odemba’s appointment is a historic moment, but it also brings significant pressure as she juggles her roles with the Starlets, Bullets, and now Kenya Police FC. Her leadership skills and tactical acumen will be put to the test as she takes on the challenge of steadying the ship.
Club CEO Threatened To Fire Everyone
The shake-up comes after Kenya Police FC’s dismal 1-0 loss to Shabana before the international break. The defeat was the final straw for the club’s CEO, Chris Onguso, who expressed his frustration publicly on the club’s official platform.
“This time round if our dear chairman Mr. Nyale and Chairman board Dr. Bishop Akama will forgive you guys for this disgusting results you have shown in the past matches, then indeed they have a thick skin. For me, I will not have any kind words for anyone. I am ready to fire everyone; we begin on a new journey,” Onguso posted.
The fiery statement laid the groundwork for the subsequent dismissals and signaled a clear intent to overhaul the team’s performance.
Potential Replacements and Challenges Ahead
As speculation mounts about the club’s next move, seasoned coaches Robert Matano and Francis Kimanzi are reportedly being considered as potential replacements. Both bring a wealth of experience and success in Kenyan football, but their ability to navigate the tumultuous environment at Kenya Police FC remains uncertain.
The team faces Kariobangi Sharks on Friday at Dandora Stadium in what promises to be a challenging match under interim coach Odemba. With the club’s morale seemingly at an all-time low, Odemba’s first task will be to rally her players and instill confidence in a side desperate for a turnaround.
A Club in Crisis
Kenya Police FC’s recent upheaval reflects deeper issues within the club’s structure. The frequent changes in leadership and management point to a lack of long-term planning, which has stifled the team’s progress. While the Mozzart Bet Cup win was a highlight, it now seems like a distant memory as the club grapples with internal turmoil.
For the fans, the promise of stability and success has been overshadowed by the inconsistency that has plagued the team. Whether the current shake-up will mark a turning point or lead to further instability remains to be seen.
The upcoming fixture against Kariobangi Sharks is more than just a league match—it’s a test of Kenya Police FC’s resilience. Interim coach Beldine Odemba carries the weight of expectations as she steps into the spotlight. With history on her side and the support of players eager to prove themselves, Odemba has an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
As the dust settles, the spotlight remains firmly on Kenya Police FC. Whether the changes will usher in a new era of success or further plunge the team into chaos is a story that will unfold in the coming weeks. For now, all eyes are on the Dandora Stadium this Friday, where the first chapter of this new journey will be written.
Coaches who have been fired so far in the league
Ken Kenyatta was fired by Kakamega Homeboyz, Léo Neiva of Gor Mahia and Sammy Pamzo Omollo of Shabana were recently fired by the respective clubs