Shabana stunned as Homeboyz eye Kenyan Premier League return

Shabana FC players react after losing a past match. [PHOTO:FILE]

Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has expressed his delight after his side stunned former Kenyan Premier League side Shabana 2-0 to leapfrog Agrochemicals at the top of the National Super League (Zone B) table.

Vincent Ogutu opened the scoring in the 29th minute before David Okoth’s strike after the hour mark dashed the hosts’ hopes of comeback and took the former KPL side’s points to 39.

With their current form and the morale in the team, Shimanyula says he’s confident of making a return to the top-flight football. “Picking the maximum points away against a team like Shabana is not easy. But I am pleased with the character and determination shown by the players. We have only one away match out of the five remaining matches and with the way we are motivating and advising our players, I am optimistic we will play in the KPL next season,” said Shimanyula.

Although Homeboyz’s aim is to finish at the top of Zone B League, the chairman is not sure of the KPL promotion criteria.

“We learnt a lot from our debut in KPL last year and we are on course coming back, but we would like the Football Kenya Federation to explain to us the promotion criteria. We are not sure if the winners in both zones will earn an automatic promotion or we will play a mini league. Let them come clean on this crucial and vital information,” said Shimanyula. Homeboyz have opened up a two point lead over second placed Agrochemicals who were in-active at the weekend.

In other matches, struggling GFC 105 stunned Nzoia United 2-1 as sixth placed St Joseph beat Rift Valley United 1-0.

In Zone A, Nakumatt drubbed Nairobi Stima 2-1 to narrow the gap on leaders Posta Rangers (41 points), who had a free weekend, to four points.

Third placed FC Talanta were held to a 2-2 draw by Bidco United as Ligi Ndogo trounced Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 while former KPL side Oserian also spanked Administration Police 3-1.