Kenya Police FC head coach Francis Baraza insists he still needs another striker despite possessing last season’s record-breaking goal machine Elvis Machapo Rupia in his ranks.
Rupia netted 27 league goals, a record-setting tally as the Law Enforcers finished third, their highest-ever league finish in their entire spell as a topflight club.
The forward has however been linked with a move out of the club following his exploits last season but Baraza is having him in his plans for the next campaign.
Police aim at lifting the league title next season, but Baraza wants another striker to help complement Rupia and to learn from him in order to eventually take over as the prime center forward.
“Ideally, I want a centre forward who is good in aerial duels and also holds the ball up. A young striker ideally to learn from him (Rupia) as well,” Baraza told Pulse Sports.
Last season, Baraza worked with Rupia, Clinton Kinanga, and Derrick Otanga, who signed for the club on a short-term contract, having signed as a free agent from Libyan club Al-Ittihad Misurata.
Baraza used the three strikers in different game states last season, and all contributed to Police’s achievements in some capacity, but he has explained why he still needs another center-forward.
“All three players are different profiles of strikers. If you look at Kinanga is the type of centre forward who can only play in special situations. If the wingers are creative, I cannot use Kinanga because he has his merits and demerits. Same case to Machapo who has his good and bad about him.
“Machapo’s work rate is high and he is very dynamic. Otanga is slow and needs the ball played into his feet. Kinanga is very good in the air. All these are different types of strikers.
“If I can get a centre forward who can hold up the ball, it will allow the midfielders time to make runs behind him, not the striker who will lose possession. He has to be young and have a high work rate.
“I have worked with young players before. I just do not want to put anyone and everything. Police is growing. That means the players have to grow.
Police are set to take part in pre-season training in Nyeri and not Turkey as earlier rumoured.
