Nzoia, Homeboyz out to prove title credentials in derby

Captain Kakamega Homeboyz's Moses Mudavadi and Mohamed Kilume (left) of KCB during KPL match at Kasarani Annex on Sunday, November 27, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Nzoia Sugar and Kakamega Homeboyz will be battling for more than the local bragging rights at Sudi Stadium today as the two rivals seek to prove they are serious contenders for the 2022/23 FKF Premier League title.

The two Western-based sides are only separated by four points ahead of their round eight encounter.

Interestingly, both teams are enjoying a six-game unbeaten run since losing their opening fixtures of the campaign last year.

While impressive second-placed Nzoia, who fell 1-0 to record champions Gor Mahia, are two points behind leaders Tusker (18), Homeboyz who lost 2-1 to the brewers are third with 12 points.

And with the likes of Gor and AFC Leopards yet to stamp their authority in the league, Nzoia and Homeboyz albeit prematurely they have a chance to gate-crash the title race.

But having had a short stint at Nzoia during his playing days, Kakamega Homeboyz coach John Baraza is prepared for a difficult match in Bungoma.

The four-time FKF PL golden boot winner was offered a one-year deal at Homeboyz at the beginning of the season after the departure of current Ulinzi Stars boss Bernard Mwalala.

"There are no favourites in derbies and this is not an exception. Both teams are having a good run and we all know how important this match means to us. We must prepare well and play with the heart," Baraza told Standard Sports.

"It will be a tight game, but also a match that can show our title credentials. We have been fighting for the title for many years, but I believe with the quality of players I have this could be our year of glory. But if you want to become a champion, you must beat the best. Nzoia have proven to be a hard nut to crack, so we must be at our best to get something positive in Bungoma."

While the pair will be clashing in Western Kenya, Tusker will be in the coastal city aiming to maintain grip at the top of the table with a win over hosts Bandari.

Though the brewers are the only team that have won all their six opening matches of the campaign, head coach Robert Matano was not impressed with his strikers' wastefulness in their first match after the Christmas break against Vihiga Bullets. Tusker won 2-1.

"That's football. You have to work hard to win. And also after that Christmas break, we have not gotten our footing back. We struggled most of the time but it's good that the win will give us the confidence we want as the league continues," said Matano.

"We were not ourselves against Vihiga, we were always in a hurry, anxious and excited- that's why we couldn't score a lot of goals despite getting a lot of chances in the first half. But we must try to kill every chance we get."

He continued: "We just need to continue playing as a team and with a purpose and don't rush. After the festive break, this was the first time we were coming together as a team. It's good for us that we saw where the problems were and we will try to rectify the mistakes in the next match."