Kenya Police and Harambee Stars captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng || Image – Kenya Police

Kenya Police started their league campaign with a 0-0 draw against Ulinzi Stars after qualifying for the second preliminary round of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.

Kenya Police  captain David “Cheche” Ochieng marked his return from injury with a solid defensive display as the defending champions secured a hard-fought draw against Ulinzi Stars in their opening match of the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season.

Speaking after the match in an interview with Sports Eye Sports, the veteran defender said he was pleased to help his side earn a clean sheet in what was his first game in eight weeks, following a spell on the sidelines.

“I felt good overall. Toward the last few minutes I was a bit tired, but I’m happy to have helped the team get a draw and a clean sheet — my first of the season,” Cheche said.

Cheche, a vastly experienced international who has represented Harambee Stars on over 30 occasions, believes Police are well equipped to dominate this season, having lifted their maiden title last year.

Looking ahead, the 35-year-old reiterated the team’s ambition to retain their league crown.

“We have to go for the league. We know what it takes to be champions and we believe in ourselves. Winning it again would be the perfect reward for everyone at the club,” he added.

The Captain also believes making the group stages of the CAF Champions League would also be a huge success, considering no Kenyan side has ever made it that far in the competition.

“Reaching the group stages of the Champions league and then retaining the league would be the ideal season,” Cheche added.

Che also lauded the depth and competitiveness within the Kenya Police squad this season, noting that the arrival of several new players has boosted internal competition for starting spots.

“We have about 30 or 31 players. The coach has been rotating the team, which keeps everyone on their toes. Fatigue will be a factor this season, so every player must be ready,” he said.

The captain reserved special praise for his goalkeeper Job Ochieng, last season’s golden glove winner,  who pulled off two critical saves to preserve the draw.

“He was outstanding. That’s the beauty of competition — when you’re called upon, you deliver. The coach now has good selection headaches, and that’s what we want,” Che concluded.

With the defending champions targeting back-to-back titles, Cheche’s return adds leadership and experience to a squad already determined to build on last season’s success.