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The Kakamega-based side claimed their first trophy in the top flight last season and fans are now dreaming on the Premier League title in 2023-24
For Kakamega Homeboyz, a title tilt is the aim this season having failed to mount a sustainable challenge in the 2022-23 campaign.
Homeboyz finished a disappointing eighth in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League but they made up for the poor season by lifting the FKF Cup, their maiden trophy in the top flight, which earned them a place in the CAF Confederation Cup that kicks off next month.
Even as they tackle Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi in the preliminary round, Patrick Odhiambo will be keen for a bright start in the Premier League to avoid the pitfalls of the last campaign when inconsistencies hampered them.
A title challenge is not something new to Homeboyz as they have been in a familiar position before. Abana Abeingo came close to clinching the 2021-22 crown only to lose it to Tusker FC on goal difference and they can draw inspiration from that season to push the likes of for Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Kenya Police.
The squad
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Odhiambo has the advantage of going into the new season with a close-knit squad having retained most of his players from last season. Right-back Collins Odhiambo has turned down new a contract and is likely to leave when his deal expires at the end of the month.
They have already brought in James Cleo Ssetuba, Stephen Opoku, Alex Imbusia, Davies Kasirye and Odhiambo had an opportunity to watch them during Saturday’s FKF Charity Shield against Gor Mahia which they lost on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Ugandan left-back Farouk Musisi has also joined Kakamega Homeboyz from Tajikistan side FC Fayzkand while they have also been linked with former player Shami Kibwana who was recently released by Tusker.
Players to watch
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Homeboyz have stayed true to their nature of signing local players and they hope the new additions will be the antidote they need to claim the league title.
They also have some gems within the squad such as the exciting Eston Esiye, ever-present Moses Mudavadi and striker Moses Shummah who had a breakthrough season in 2022-23.
The 20-year-old attracted the interest of Gor Mahia after bagging six goals last season but it is not just goals that make him tick.
Shummah was named the Most Valuable Player after playing an integral part in his side’s run to the FKF Cup win with his ability to hold the ball and link up play a joy to watch.
His skillset allows willing runners like Moses Mudavadi and Kevin Amwayi to get into spaces where they can run in behind before scoring, the reason Homeboyz placed a Ksh6 million price tag on him to put off suitors.
The coach
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Shummah and co are lucky to be working under Odhiambo, a coach who is adept at nurturing talent and getting the best out of local players.
Odhiambo joined Homeboyz in February this year and after winning just one of his first six matches, they turned a corner at the start of April to win 11 of their 17 matches, a run that included two victories apiece against Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as well as Tusker.
The former Western Stima, Agro Chemical, Muhoroni Youth and Sony Sugar coach also served as assistant to Steven Polack at Gor Mahia during the 2019-20 season and was no stranger to Homeboyz when he returned as he worked as an assistant coach at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.
With all that experience, Odhiambo knows what it takes to challenge the big boys and he has increased the spotlight and pressure on his side following the cup win.
Expected position
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If the title challenge proves difficult, the Kakamega-based side will be aiming for a podium finish and rivals already know they are one of the teams to watch.
“We expect them to be very strong again throughout the year not just in the Charity Shield, we expect that come round 33 or 34 of the league, they will be around the top three places so we know it is really a tough game,” Gor coach Jonathan McKinstry said of Homeboyz ahead of their Charity Shield clash.
Tough start to the season
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Homeboyz have a tough start to the 2023-24 campaign and their first five matches will give them a clear picture of whether they will be title contenders or not.
Odhiambo’s men open the season at home to KCB on August 26 before visiting newly-promoted Murang’a Seal after which meetings with Tusker, Gor Mahia and Bandari await.
Bukhungu Stadium will yet be the venue many teams dread as Homeboyz have been tough to crack at home but Abana Abeingo have proven that they can beat anyone anywhere as happened against Gor Mahia and Leopards last season.
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