Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

The departure of Kenya Police’s FC scoring sensations in Elvis ‘Machapo’ Rupia and Duke Abuya in search of greener pastures in Tanzania has been described as majorly the contributory factor to the team’s shock 3-0 home loss to Posta Rangers in a Kenyan Premier League match at the weekend.

The law enforcers’ fans at Police Sacco Stadium in South”C” were left dumbstruck when Rangers turned their team almost upside down apparently for them to prove that they are not in the top tier league to make up numbers.

Francis Baraza, the team’s Head Coach, conceded that he was aghast by the astronomical losing margin even as he pointed out that the poaching of tRupia and Abuya by big-spending Singida Fountain Gate FC has hit them where it hurts most.

 “We are yet to come to terms with the biggest loss of the season but I must say that Elvis and Duke were the team’s fulcrum and that explains why our new signing Tito Okello struggled to prise open Rangers defence since he has yet to gel with inexperienced attackers,” said Baraza.

Okello, a south Sudanese who previously turned out for Iranian side Paykan and Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, heaved and puffed in search of goals without success although Baraza reckoned that he will be one of the players to watch once he gets it right.

“He (Okello) has an eye for goal and once he gels, trust me he will be a nightmare to our opponents’ defense line. I know the disappointment by Police fans for losing but let them not judge me by the result since it’s too early in the league. We shall make a comeback,” said Baraza.

He added: “Losing a player like Rupia who led the score chart last season is obviously a big blow but the worst we can do is cry over spilt milk. Remember, this is Kenya Police and common sense dictates that we soldier on to achieve our target of winning the league,” said Baraza who has previously coached Western Stima, Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Youth, Chemelil Sugar FC and Biashara United of Tanzania.

Before the latest development, Police, who are doing their second season in the top flight league, had lost mercurial midfielder Cliffton Miheseo to AFC Leopards.

In the meantime, Murang’a Seal continued punching above their weight after winning their second match on a trot in a 1-0 dispatch of Kakamega Homeboyz in Murang’a.

Seal Coach Vincent Nyaberi gave plaudits to his players for a job well done, saying they are worthy participants in the league.