Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti
Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti has confirmed that Congolese defender Ndecket Bowamba Jacques Geordy is the club’s only injury concern as the Law Enforcers prepare for the Super 8 pre-season tournament.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who joined Police FC from AS Otoho during the recent transfer window, is currently being assessed by the club’s medical team as he works towards full fitness.
“We have only one player who is carrying an injury at the moment, and that is Geordy,” Muyoti said.
The coach is hopeful that the defender will return soon but is keen to avoid rushing him back and risking further injury.
“Our medical team is monitoring him, and we will continue to assess him before making a decision on when he can return to full training,” Muyoti added.
Police FC squad largely fit
Despite Geordy’s absence, Muyoti says the rest of the squad is fit and available for the tournament, providing the technical bench with a strong foundation ahead of the new domestic campaign.
“The rest of the squad is fit and available, which gives us a good base as we go into the tournament,” he said.
The Super 8 has been organised to help leading clubs maintain match fitness following the postponement of the opening FKF Premier League fixtures.
The competition will also provide coaches with an opportunity to assess their squads in competitive matches before the domestic league gets underway.
Eight teams will take part in the tournament, with the sides divided into two groups of four. Each team will play at least three group-stage matches, while the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
The participating clubs are Kenya Police, AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, Posta Rangers, Nairobi United, 3K FC, BB Bread FC and Equity Bank FC.
Muyoti faces selection headache after major squad changes
Police head into the tournament with a significantly changed squad after an active transfer window that saw the club sign 11 players while releasing 18.
The extensive changes have left Muyoti with the task of quickly building cohesion within a new-look team.
The Super 8 will therefore be important for the coach as he assesses his new recruits and determines his preferred combinations ahead of the league campaign.
“We have made several changes to the squad, but the objective is to create a competitive team and allow every player to fight for his place,” Muyoti said.
The competition will also give the new signings an opportunity to adapt to Police FC’s tactical approach and develop an understanding with their teammates.
“We want the new players to understand our system quickly, and playing competitive matches is one of the best ways of achieving that,” Muyoti said.
Police targeting progress
Police will face competition from established sides including AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars and Posta Rangers, while Nairobi United, 3K FC, BB Bread FC and Equity Bank FC will also be targeting a place in the knockout stages.
For Muyoti, however, the tournament is about more than simply winning matches.
“These are the kinds of games we need because they allow us to see where we are as a team and where we still need to improve,” he said.
The coach wants to use the tournament to improve tactical organisation, build match fitness and establish partnerships among his players while carefully managing their workloads.
“Our focus is to keep everyone fit, improve the team and make sure we are ready when the important matches come,” Muyoti said.
Geordy remains only injury concern
With the rest of the squad available, Geordy’s recovery remains the main fitness issue facing the Police FC technical bench.
The club is expected to continue monitoring the defender before determining when he can resume full training.
“We are taking every precaution with Geordy, but overall we are happy with the fitness of the group and the progress we are making,” Muyoti said.
Police will now look to use the Super 8 to build momentum, assess their reshaped squad and secure one of the two qualification places from their group as they prepare for the FKF Premier League campaign.
