- Kenya Police FC qualified for the CAF Champions League after winning the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title for the 2024/25 season.
- Last season, the law enforcers represented Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the FKF Cup, but they were eliminated in the preliminary stage.
- Now setting their sights on a grander stage, Maelo emphasized that their vision is to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League and establish a lasting legacy.
Kenya Police FC team manager George Maelo has articulated their ambitious vision as they prepare for their debut in the prestigious CAF Champions League next season, aiming to carve out a lasting legacy.
Police FC secured their spot in next season’s prestigious tournament after clinching the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title for the 2024/25 season, marking a historic first championship since the club’s inception.
Last season, the law enforcers, who have shown remarkable form since their promotion to the top flight in the 2021/22 campaign, represented Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup.
They qualified by winning the FKF Cup but were eliminated in the second preliminary round after a tough encounter against Egyptian giants Zamalek, who defeated them in both legs.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the 10 million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot
Now setting their sights on a grander stage, Maelo emphasized that their vision is to reach the group phase of the Champions League and establish a legacy that surpasses that of Gor Mahia, who were knocked out in the preliminary stage of the same competition.
The vision of our boss, Mr. Nyaga, who is my chairman, is to reach the group stage. We want to go into the group stage (CAF Champions League). And I love how our top striker (Kenya Bullets) performed and said that the coach told her, ‘I want 20 goals,’ and she delivered 16, which is an A for me because it’s only four goals short. Now, for us, we are going to another level,” Maelo told NTV Sport On.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia fire entire technical bench after disastrous trophyless 24/25 season
Maelo acknowledged Gor Mahia’s previous success in reaching the group stage of the Confederation Cup, adding that Kenya Police FC are driven by the desire to create an even more enduring impact on the continent.
Gor Mahia did well and reached the group stage of the Confederation Cup. So for us, it’s a matter of striving for that kind of legacy. It’s not easy. It requires pain, sacrifice, commitment, proper planning, consultation and with that, we believe we can achieve it.”
ALSO READ: FKF Premier League top scorers: Last 5 seasons (complete list)
How Kenya Police plan to make their mark in the CAF Champions League
He further elaboratee on their strategy, emphasizing the importance of squad reinforcement, mental and physical preparation, and divine favor in avoiding injuries.
One thing we must do to achieve our goals in the Champions League is to plan well and strengthen the team where necessary. We already have good players; we will just bolster the areas where we need support.
The second thing is motivation. Ensuring the players are mentally and physically ready. At the end of the day, we also seek divine guidance, because by grace, you hope not to suffer too many injuries.
We are competing in the league, the Champions League, and then returning to the domestic league again so we need players to be 100% fit in order to achieve everything we have set out to do.”
Maelo concluded with a confident note: “I believe we have the mentality, the strength, and the determination to challenge the continent’s biggest teams and make our mark.”
