Police defiant trip to Rwanda is important despite conundrum over friendlies

Police FC team manager George Maelo has agonizingly confirmed they will not play any friendly match in Rwanda as earlier scheduled, after the Rwanda Football Federation warned FIFA affiliated referees against officiating matches involving clubs from suspended federations.

Police were to play against Rayon Sports and Rwanda Police as part of their preseason friendlies, but will now only camp in Rwanda for 10 days without any match.

“Due to the FIFA suspension we are not able to play the friendly matches we were planning to because the referees here are FIFA affiliates and they don’t want to risk.

“However, we are still holding our training sessions without any distraction. It is also a good opportunity for the players to bond and know each other well without usual distractions back home so we believe this camp will still yield fruits in the team,” said Maelo.

Maelo has also revealed head coach Sammy Omollo has linked up with the rest of the team in Kigali, having recovered from a back injury.

“The coach has joined the team and he is taking charge of the training alongside his assistant (Musa Otieno) and so far he is impressed with the work that is going on here. We believe the season will be a success for the team,” stated the team manager.

Police, who finished eighth last season, begin their campaign against Bandari at the Nyayo National Stadium on September 11.