Kenya Police players during a warm-up session/HANDOUT

Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije says Kenya Police FC are ready for their CAF Champions League debut against Somalia’s Mogadishu City FC, set for Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.

“We are well prepared. The mood in camp is excellent, and all players are fit. We’ve blended experience and talent, and that gives us an edge,” Ndayiragije said during a pre-match press briefing on Friday.
This will be the club’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League. The return leg is scheduled between September 26 and 28, with the aggregate winner advancing to face either Jamus FC Juba (South Sudan) or Al Hilal (Sudan) for a place in the group stage—a level Kenyan clubs have rarely reached in recent years.
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Ndayiragije said some senior players missed pre-season but expressed confidence in their ability to step up. Among the new additions is former Simba SC defender Joash Onyango, whose continental experience is expected to boost the squad.
“Joash brings great experience. Having him in our team is a big boost,” the coach noted. He also expects a strong challenge from Mogadishu City FC, who have featured in CECAFA tournaments, but believes home advantage and squad depth give Kenya Police an upper hand.
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Team captain David “Cheche” Ochieng shared the coach’s optimism, pointing to improved team chemistry and pre-season preparations.
“We’ve learned from last season. This time, we are more united and focused. We’ve worked hard in pre-season and believe we can make history,” Cheche said.
He also urged fans to turn out in large numbers at Nyayo Stadium.
“We are promising a dynamic approach. Fans can expect a more attacking game as we chase CAF success,” he added.
The 2025 CAF Champions League features a record 62 clubs. Top-ranked teams, including Egypt’s Al Ahly and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, have been given byes into the second round.
For Kenya Police FC, the goal is not just to progress past the preliminary round, but to prove that Kenyan clubs can compete at the highest level in African football.