Kakamega Homeboyz won't stop shooting down rivals

Kakamega Homeboyz's Partipher Odhiambo (left) and Shannel Makwata of Ulinzi Stars during FkF Premier League match at The Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi, on Sunday Nov 26, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In a remarkable turn of events, Kakamega Homeboyz have staged a commendable resurgence in the FKF Premier League after a shaky start to the season.

Their latest triumph, a convincing 2-0 victory over Shabana on Sunday, propelled them to 27 points, just one behind defending champions and league leaders, Gor Mahia.

Homeboyz's recent success can be attributed to their remarkable run of five consecutive wins in their last five matches. This impressive feat has not only elevated them in the standings, but also ignited discussions about their potential contention for the league title.

The team's journey this season has been a rollercoaster, starting on the back foot with a 1-0 loss to newcomers Murang'a SEAL. Following this setback, Homeboyz struggled to find consistency, experiencing a mix of results, including a notable 2-1 win against Tusker, a 1-1 draw against Gor Mahia, and a 2-0 defeat to KCB.

However, the turning point came after a loss to Kariobangi Sharks in October. Since then, Homeboyz embarked on an impressive six-match unbeaten run, securing five wins and a draw.

This exceptional run included victories against Muhoroni Youth (2-0), Sofapaka (5-0), Ulinzi Stars (1-0), Bidco United (1-0) and Shabana (2-0). Remarkably, the team has not conceded a goal since November, showcasing their defensive solidity.

In fact, Homeboyz have scored most goals in the league; 20, followed by Nairobi City Stars with 12. The big question now is whether Homeboyz can maintain this momentum and sustain the pressure on the record champions, Gor Mahia. With their recent form, they have undoubtedly become serious contenders for the league title.

Meanwhile, situation at AFC Leopards seems to be far from ideal, despite the appointment of Tomas Trucha as the head coach. Trucha took over from the club legend Tom Juma, who was sacked in October due to poor performance.

Juma's dismal record included six consecutive winless games at the beginning of the 2022-24 FKF Premier League, comprising four draws and two losses.

Two months into Trucha's tenure, the situation has not seen significant improvement, with a record of four draws, two losses, and only one win.

Currently, AFC Leopards find themselves languishing in the 15th position with just 11 points from 14 games, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.