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Monday, September 20, 2021 / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily

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by Barry Silah even with both teams having opportunities with
the ball in dangerous areas. However it was the
@PeopleSport11
Police who were more lively in the opponents’
Kenya Police FC are the latest entrants in half with quick attacks from David Oluoch and
the Football Kenya Federation Premier League Kelvin Mwaura.
following their 2-1 aggregate win over Vihiga The match was intense and physical, espe-
United in a hotly contested second leg playoff cially in the middle of the park, particularly be-
duel played at the Utalii Grounds. tween Police’s Soitan Silicho and Lesley Otieno
The solo goal by Clinton Kinanga was enough of Vihiga United.
to cancel the first leg 1-1 draw at Mumias Com- The lone goal came in the 33rd minute fol-
plex. lowing a rebound penalty as lanky Kinanga was
Elated Police coach John Bobby Ogola praised quickest to react and score from close range giv-
his charges and his opponents for a good fight. ing opposite goalkeeper Mustapha Oduor zero
“It was a very tough contest and both teams chance after initially parrying Alvin Mangeni’s
fought well. However, we took our chances and spot kick.
here we are. I am happy and I am certain before The second half was a fairly contested half
the premier league calendar begins, we will be with a lot of attacks being centered from the
ready and at least bolster a few areas,” said the flanks. It was a half that saw Vihiga United push
former Kenyan international. the limits but the opponents stood tall led by
Kinanga who scored the two goals on both captain David Okiki.
legs gave himself a target of 14 goals in the forth- bution to the team and I look forward to at least Police FC that was formed only seven years
coming premier league campaign. “It has been getting a minimum of 14 goals,” he said. ago now have a week to sign up players as the
a very tough season but we are thankful we are In the opening half, the contest was fairly season begins in exactly five days time with the
here. I am also thrilled with my personal contri- transfer window closing on October 29.
Turkish citizen Engin
Firat given two months 6WDUV JHW QHZ FRDFK
to salvage national
team’s 2022 Word Cup
qualification process
with FKF declaring he is
the right man for the job

by Barry Silah
@PeopleSport11
Newly appointed Harambee Stars
coach Engin Firat has expressed con-
fidence that Kenya has the ability to
qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The Turkish national who was un-
veiled yesterday at Safari Park Hotel
believes that there is quality in the
team that is sufficient to have a shot at
the global showpiece next year.
Flanked by Football Kenya Fed-
eration president Nick Mwendwa and
CEO Barry Otieno, Firat was emphatic
that his short stint in the country
would bear fruits.
“ I am excited and motivated with
this new project. I know the expecta-
tions are high but there is a chance to
do something positive. I am hopeful
and I am particularly impressed that
the federation president and I share a
vision. I will have time to look at the
team and assess it ahead of the quali-
fiers. From where I sit, maybe Mali will
be the only threat but we will figure out
what to do,” said the ex- Moldovan na-
tional team coach who has been hired
on an initial two-month contract.
Firat allied worries that two months
is a short time to make an impact, ar-
guing his experience at the top level
will be his advantage: Newly appointed Harambee Stars
“I want to assure the country that coach Engin Firat with FKF presi-
all is not lost because we have more dent Nick Mwendwa at the Safari
games ahead. My experience is solid Park Hotel yesterday . PD/RODGERS
and so I will get down to serious work NDEGWA
with my technical bench to ensure we
reach our target .It is possible to qualify
and that is our aim. For me I will not vast experience on top level international therefore be helpful in that regard.”
look at the length of time but what we football a s an advantage. Moldova is ranked 180 in the world
can do in that period. I believe I will get “Both parties understand the nature of while Kenya is 102. Under Firat, Moldova
100 per cent support from everyone,” the agreement.We want to qualify for the lost nine times in the last 11 matches Download QR
Code app on
said Firat who was reportedly being world Cup and this is why changes had and drew twice. Firat’s immediate as- Google Play and
eyed by the Turkish national team as to be made. We have a chance because signment will be against Mali away mid scan this QR code
well. there are more matches ahead. Firatbos next month.The jury is still out if Firat with your smart
FKF boss Nick Mwendwa brushed a good fit because he exemplifies what will be the best replacement for recently phone for pic-
aside questions of Firat’s qualifications we are looking for in the short term. He resigned Jacob Mulee who was in charge tures, videos and
more stories
as a non-issue. He pointed out Firat’s understands what we want and he will for nine matches.
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