Police out to salvage season with FKF Cup win as Tusker lie in wait

The law enforcers booked their place in the final after edging Bandari 5-3 on post-match penalties in the semi-finals and will now battle Tusker for the coveted trophy and a place in continental football next season.

Reflecting on his team’s journey to the final, Muyoti praised the players’ attitude despite the disappointment of missing out on retaining the KPL title which they relinquished to Gor Mahia in the just concluded campaign.

“It’s been a good journey and I’m happy. The players have been very positive about it, knowing that we missed out on the league and this is the only chance we have to redeem ourselves. I think the players are very positive and looking forward to it,” said Muyoti.

The coach revealed that injuries remain a concern ahead of the final, with five players currently sidelined. However, he expressed confidence that the squad will be ready for the showdown.

“Just from the time we entered the league, we have had a lot of injuries. I think about five players are injured. The rest are very much on and the doctors have been really working on them. So we are good and ready to go,” he said.

One area Kenya Police have focused on since their semi-final victory is improving their finishing in front of goal. Muyoti admitted that scoring has been a challenge throughout the season but believes his players are sharpening up at the right time.

“We’ve worked on our scoring. I think it’s been low since the season started, but the boys are being sharpened and we hope we can score some goals in the final,” he added.

The final presents a significant opportunity for Kenya Police to cap off their season with silverware after falling short in the league. For Muyoti, lifting the trophy would be a fitting reward for his team’s efforts throughout the campaign.

“It is very important and the only thing remaining for us is to redeem our season. So we are taking it with all the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

Police will come up against a Tusker side equally eager to finish the season with a trophy after an underwhelming league campaign. The Brewers reached the final after defeating KCB on shootouts in the semi-finals, setting up a highly anticipated clash between two teams seeking a positive end to their season.

Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Muyoti remains calm about the prospect of adding another cup title to his coaching résumé.

“I’ve done it before and I hope I can do it again,” he said when asked whether winning the final would rank among the biggest achievements of his coaching career.

The coach also called on Kenya Police supporters to rally behind the team as they seek glory.

“I’d like them to put us in their prayers and those who are able to come to come and support the team. We will really appreciate it,” he said.

With a trophy, pride and continental qualification at stake, Kenya Police will be hoping their season ends with celebrations rather than regrets when they take to the pitch for Sunday’s final.