Akhulia: Kenya Police must build on first win as Shabana test beckons

“There is something we are working on. The win is great. We have really tried to work hard in training. I congratulate the team for the positive results in the short time we have been together. At the end of the day, the most important thing is how we prepare for a match. The boys have to understand its importance,” Akhulia said.

The caretaker coach added that the victory had lifted Police several places up the table after a difficult start to the campaign.

“Before we played the match, we were in the bottom half, but we have moved a few places,” he added.

Elvis Rupia's first-half strike proved decisive as Police edged Ulinzi 1-0 in the Risasi Derby at Police Sacco Stadium on Thursday. The result ended Police's winless start to the season and left Ulinzi languishing in the relegation zone.

Rupia found the net in the 23rd minute, while goalkeeper Job Ochieng kept Ulinzi at bay with a clean sheet, including a second-half save to deny Muchiri. Despite making two changes at half-time, Ulinzi could not find an equaliser.

Akhulia has also warned that there is little time to celebrate, with Police already turning their attention to Sunday's meeting with Shabana.

“At Police, they don't take a loss easily, so it is up to me to make sure I am not in the frying pan. We will now focus on the next match against Shabana, which will not be easy. We will make sure the team works towards a win,” he said.

The victory offers some relief after a turbulent opening to the campaign. Police began with a 1-1 draw against Migori Youth before suffering a 2-1 defeat to AFC Leopards on October 20, conceding Ronald Sichenje's winner in the 93rd minute.

The following day, the club parted ways with head coach Nicholas Muyoti and his assistant, John Baraza, stating that the duo had left to pursue CAF A coaching licences. Former Bidco United coach Akhulia was subsequently appointed on an interim basis.

His first match in charge ended in a draw against Mombasa United before Thursday's victory over Ulinzi, giving Police their first three points of the season under his leadership.

Police remain a side with considerable quality and ambitions of challenging near the top of the table. They won the league in 2024/25 and finished third last season with 55 points under Muyoti. They also reached the Mozzart Bet Cup final, where they lost to Tusker.

Rupia has already scored twice in four league appearances, underlining his importance to a side with the firepower and experience to climb the standings.

However, questions remain over the club's long-term direction. Police have experienced repeated coaching changes in recent years, and reports have linked French tactician Raphael Pilato with the vacant permanent position.

Whether Akhulia remains in charge or a new coach takes over, establishing stability and a clear tactical identity will be crucial if Police are to challenge for a top-four finish rather than settle for a mid-table campaign.

Their next test comes against Shabana on Sunday. Shabana began their campaign with a narrow victory over Posta Rangers, followed by a goalless draw against Nairobi United and a 1-1 stalemate with Migori Youth on Thursday.

Police will therefore face an organised opponent, with Akhulia hoping his players can turn Thursday's breakthrough into a winning run.