Mwalala calls for focus as title-chasing Homeboyz face Gor Mahia

Kakamega Homeboyz FC coach Bernard Mwalala reacts during during their FKF Premier League match against Sofapaka FC at Kasarani Annex in Nairobi on April 10, 2022. The match ended 1-1. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Bernard Mwalala has called for calm and focus as they tackle record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in today’s FKF Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium.

Defending champions Tusker and Homeboyz are joint top of the standings on 56 points and are separated by goal difference.

Homeboyz lost three points after the relegation of financially-troubled Mathare United on Saturday.

According to FKF rules and regulation, when a team is relegated after 75% of the matches played, all teams will be deducted three points of the second leg matches played.

The 2008 champions had missed three matches against Bandari, Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka and were officially relegated to the National Super League by the FKF Transition Committee.

Despite the setback, Mwalala is confident they can still win their maiden title if they win all their remaining matches.

The Homeboyz tactician agreed it would not be easy to defeat Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Talanta but with focus and determination it is possible.

“We are not top of the table by mistake but because of our hard work earlier in the season where we won matches. A slight stumble in the past two months which came with the pressure of being top slowed us down but we can fight back,” said Mwalala.

“Last week’s victory against KCB showed that we are not finished and with focus I believe we can compete against  Gor and Leopards.

“We want to be very competitive in our remaining fixtures because our goal is to win the championship.”

Elsewhere, Nairobi City Stars captain Calvin Masawa has urged his teammates to bounce back to winning ways against KCB.

Though Masawa acknowledged KCB have been a hard nut to crack in their last three meetings, the defender is confident of ending the losing streak.

“We had a decent game against Tusker last weekend. Typically, and against top teams, we always enjoy our games. Now next up is KCB who have always had the better of us. But we want to change that narrative when we face them on Saturday,” said Masawa.

At Nyayo Stadium, AFC Leopards will face Talanta looking to build on their walkover against Kariobangi Sharks as Bidco United face Kenya Police in Thika.

Tomorrow, Tusker will host battling Nzoia Sugar while third-placed Bandari take on Kariobangi Sharks.