Kenya Police FC Part Ways with Etienne Ndayiragije After CAF Champions League Exit

Kenya Police FC have parted ways with head coach Etienne Ndayiragije just days after their CAF Champions League exit at the hands of Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC. The mutual separation comes after a historic domestic season that saw the club clinch its first-ever Kenyan Premier League title under the Burundian tactician. The club now faces a defining moment — balancing the need for stability at home and regaining lost ground on the continental stage.

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1. A Sudden End to a Successful Partnership

Kenya Police FC confirmed on October 29, 2025, that they had mutually parted ways with head coach Etienne Ndayiragije, marking the end of one of the club’s most successful eras.

The decision came just days after Police FC were eliminated from the CAF Champions League qualifiers by Al Hilal SC of Sudan. The club stated that Ndayiragije had “requested to move on to pursue new challenges and gain further experience,” signaling an amicable but significant change in direction.

“We acknowledge the tremendous contribution Coach Etienne Ndayiragije has made in elevating this team to continental recognition and domestic glory,” read part of the club’s statement.

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2. CAF Champions League Exit That Sparked Reflection

Kenya Police’s continental dream came to an abrupt end after a 4–1 aggregate defeat to Al Hilal SC.

• First leg: 1–0 loss in Nairobi.
• Second leg: 3–1 defeat in Benghazi, Libya.

The elimination not only denied the club a spot in the lucrative group stages of the CAF Champions League but also highlighted the gap between domestic dominance and continental experience. It was a learning curve that exposed the need for tactical depth, composure, and exposure at the top level of African football.

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3. Etienne Ndayiragije’s Impact on Kenya Police FC

When Ndayiragije joined Kenya Police FC, expectations were high — and he delivered.

Under his guidance, Kenya Police lifted their first-ever Kenyan Premier League title, cementing their reputation as one of the fastest-growing football clubs in the country. His disciplined, tactical approach transformed the team into a cohesive, attacking unit.

He also helped nurture local talent, with several players earning national team call-ups and interest from regional clubs. However, despite domestic success, continental results fell short of expectations — a contrast that may have shaped both the coach’s decision and the club’s direction.

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4. Key Stats: Ndayiragije’s Tenure at a Glance

Competition	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	Achievement
Kenyan Premier League	34	21	8	5	2024/25 Champions
FKF Cup	6	4	1	1	Semi-finalists
CAF Champions League	2	0	0	2	Eliminated in Qualifiers

These figures reflect both consistency and ambition — a domestic powerhouse still finding its footing on the continental scene.

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5. Reasons Behind the Departure

While the club’s statement emphasized mutual consent, football insiders point to a combination of pressure, timing, and ambition:

• The CAF exit sparked internal reflection about the team’s readiness for African competition.
• Management reportedly sought a more experienced hand to navigate continental football.
• Ndayiragije himself was said to be open to exploring opportunities elsewhere, possibly within the East African region.

Regardless of the reason, the separation seems to be more of a strategic reset than a fallout.

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6. Kenya Police FC’s Next Steps

With Ndayiragije gone, Kenya Police FC must now act swiftly to stabilize the squad. Sources indicate that an interim technical bench will take over in the short term as the management evaluates potential candidates — both local and foreign.

The club’s ambitions remain unchanged: defend the Premier League title and rebuild toward another CAF campaign. The next appointment will therefore be crucial — not just for continuity but also for restoring continental credibility.

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7. The Broader Context: Kenyan Clubs on the Continental Stage

Kenya Police’s journey underscores a broader challenge facing Kenyan football — bridging the gap between domestic success and continental competitiveness.

Teams like Tusker FC, Gor Mahia, and now Kenya Police have dominated locally but struggled to progress deep in CAF competitions. Analysts point to the need for:

• Investment in tactical development and experience
• Better player rotation and squad depth
• Exposure through international friendlies and regional tournaments

Kenya Police’s exit, while disappointing, provides valuable lessons for the entire league ecosystem.

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8. Fan and Media Reaction

Fans flooded social media with mixed emotions — gratitude for Ndayiragije’s achievements and frustration at the timing of his exit.

“He gave us history; we owe him respect,” one fan posted.
“Continental football needs a new approach — maybe this is the reset we needed,” another commented.

Sports analysts echoed similar sentiments, describing the separation as a “necessary evolution” for a club aspiring to balance professionalism and performance.

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9. Conclusion: A Turning Point for Kenya Police FC

Etienne Ndayiragije leaves Kenya Police FC as one of the club’s most successful coaches — the man who turned a disciplined force into football champions.

Yet, his departure also marks a turning point. Kenya Police now stand at the crossroads between maintaining domestic glory and mastering continental football. The decisions made in the coming weeks — especially on leadership and structure — will define whether the club’s rise continues or stalls.

For now, one thing is certain: the foundations Ndayiragije built have set a new standard for what Kenyan football can achieve.