Stojanovic to bank on new foreign trio as Police reset title push

Kenya Police FC head coach Dusan Stojanovic says he will bank on the experience and adaptability of three new foreign signings as the league champions look to reset their title defence in the Kenya Premier League.

Police confirmed the signing of Malonga Briyock (Tanzania), Yves Koutiama (Burkina Faso), and Bowamba Jacques (Brazzaville, Congo) in a move aimed at addressing gaps exposed during the inconsistent first half of the season.

The Serbian emphasised that the new additions are intended to strengthen the collective rather than rely solely on individual players. He noted that integration will be key with competitive fixtures coming thick and fast. “All of them are mature football players, and they understand the game,” Stojanovic said. “Now it is about how quickly they fit into our system and how they connect with the rest of the team,” he added.

The champions head into 2026 placed sixth on the table with 22 points, a position that reflects solid defensive work but uneven output in the final third, according to league data.

Malonga arrives from Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, where he joined in July 2024 and earned regular minutes. The 23-year-old Congolese international is valued for his versatility, and he is capable of operating on either flank or midfield, a trait Stojanovic believes will be crucial during congested match schedules.

Koutiama, a Burkina Faso international, bolsters the attacking unit after a productive spell with USFA Ouagadougou. His arrival comes at a time when the police have struggled for a cutting edge, managing just five goals in their last six league matches.

“We needed more balance in attack and more options. Competition in the striking department pushes everyone to a higher level,"  Stojanovic said.

Defensive reinforcement has been secured through Bowamba Jacques, who joins from the Congolese side AS Otoho. The centre back brings continental experience and is expected to steady a backline that has conceded late goals in key fixtures this season.

Club chairperson Munga Nyale dismissed speculation surrounding the recruitment process, insisting the unveiling marked a clear statement of intent.

“It is our pleasure this afternoon to officially unveil these players,” Nyale said. “They are coming to add quality and bring positive energy to the team.”

Secretary General Chris Oguso said the club’s broader objective remains consistency at the top end of the table, adding that squad planning has been done within league regulations.

“Our mission is to reach and maintain our level,” Oguso said. “We have signed them on three-year contracts, and selection will always be based on merit.”

Police CEO Japheth Ochutsi and the club’s legal team were present during the unveiling, underlining organisational stability as the club plots a climb up the standings.

Police open their 2026 campaign with a demanding clash against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) on Saturday. The fixture is set to test how quickly the new foreign recruits can translate promise into points as Stojanovic looks to reignite the champions’ title push.