The head coach oversaw a historic 6-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks in the quarters.
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has explained how his side will beat “tactically flexible” AFC Leopards in the heavily anticipated semi-final of the FKF Cup at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday at 3:00 PM.
Homeboyz have the chance to make history by winning the FKF Cup for the first time in their history. Speaking to Pulse Sports, Odhiambo discussed the importance of the fixture at hand.
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“It is a very tough match because it's a knockout fixture and whoever wins will get to the final,” he said. “We are just 180 minutes away from potentially representing the nation in continental competition,” he added.
“It is a game that we are taking seriously both individually and collectively. Leopards are a team with a lot of history and alot of heritage. We have to be prepared for a tough match.”
Quizzed about whether his side is feeling the pressure of facing a nearly-full strength Leopards who are full of confidence after beating Gor Mahia last Sunday, Odhiambo insisted he was relishing the pressure of the forthcoming match.
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“We have a huge responsibility because we want to make history for the first time ever. The pressure is there but we have to be able to embrace it and control it.”
The tactician, who joined the club in February this year, oversaw a historic 6-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks in the quarter-final fixture in April but says that the challenge posed by Leopards will be “totally different”.
“Both games are totally different. Sharks like to work the ball into the box and maintain possession. Most times, teams like these usually tend to have a lot of players out of their natural positions when trying one-twos and things like that.
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“Our strategy on the pitch that day was to exploit the gaps they were leaving by running into channels and running in behind their high line.
“The AFC game will be a different challenge altogether. Sometimes, they go long, sometimes they keep the ball on the ground. That means, we have to be up to the task from the first minute to the last both with and without possession and we have to be very sharp on the transition.
Homeboyz have been dealt a huge blow as tricky winger, Moses Mudavadi has been ruled out for the fixture due to illness having returned from injury against Nzoia Sugar.
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“Missing Mudavadi is a huge blow. He played against Nzoia and trained this week but fell ill on Wednesday.”
A win for Homeboyz will pit them in the final against one of Tusker FC and Ulinzi Stars who will kick their match off at 12 noon at the same venue.
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