FKFPL PREVIEW: Bandari seeking second ever win over Kenya Police in rescheduled clash

Mombasa-based FKF Premier League side Bandari FC will on Wednesday afternoon host Kenya Police FC in a rescheduled league fixture at the Mbaraki Sports Club, with both teams targeting maximum points to boost their positions on the standings.

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The match was originally scheduled early in the season but was postponed due to Kenya Police’s participation in the CAF Champions League. It will finally be played on Wednesday, with both sides now under new coaches and eager to build momentum in the second half of the campaign.

Bandari head into the contest after being held to a goalless draw by Kariobangi Sharks, while the Law Enforcers ended a six-match winless run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar.

The Wednesday showdown offers both teams a crucial chance to make significant gains on the table.

The Dockers are tenth with 24 points and could climb to fifth with a win. Fourth-placed Kenya Police, on 28 points, have an opportunity to leapfrog Shabana FC and move into third place.

Both coaches remain unbeaten since taking charge at their respective clubs. Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala, who had initially been expected to join Kenya Police as an assistant before opting for the Mombasa role, has overseen three matches and recorded two wins and a draw.

Kenya Police tactician Nicholas Muyoti, on the other hand, has taken charge of two games, picking up a win and a draw.

The reigning league champions hold the upper hand in the head-to-head record, having won four of the eight league meetings since their promotion in 2021.

Bandari have managed a single victory, while the other three matches ended in draws, pointing to another closely contested encounter.

Speaking after the win over Mara Sugar FC, Muyoti admitted the result was timely as pressure had begun to mount.

“The pressure was rising, and this win is a big confidence booster. We needed it to restore belief as we head into the final phase of the campaign,” Muyoti said.

“When you want to win titles, you must be solid at the back. We have been scoring but conceding as well, so keeping a clean sheet was very important.”

Both teams have strengthened their squads during the January transfer window. Bandari brought in Frank Ouya, Konfor Bertrand Ngafei, Joseph Okoth, and Herrit Mungai.

Kenya Police FC reinforced their side with Burkinabe forward Yves Koutiama, who has scored in each of his last three matches; Brian Otieno from Posta Rangers; Hernest Briyock Malonga, central defender Jacques Bowamba, Awesu Ally Awesu from Simba; and Ghanaian midfielder Nana Kusi Asante.