Leopards hungry for Homeboyz

AFC Leopards Marvin Nabwire (left) and Brian Marita celebrate their victory against Mathare United FC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

AFC Leopards are not getting carried away by the recent return to form as they face unpredictable Kakamega Homeboyz in tomorrow’s Kenyan Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County.

While Leopards have twice came from behind to secure wins over Mathare United (4-3) and Wazito (3-2) to move second (13 points) on the table, their tenth placed visitors have suffered two losses in a row (0-1 against Ulinzi Stars and 3-1 against Nzoia Sugar).

With 16 time champions Gor Mahia away in Tunisia for the CAF Champions League first round return leg tie against Esperance also tomorrow, it will be a perfect opportunity for Leopards to go level on points with the league leaders.

The 4.15pm encounter will be after an early kickoff tie between former champions Sofapaka and Tusker at the same venue.

But even as Ingwe coach Dennis Kitambi aims to ensure his free scoring side continues with its resurgence under him, he is concerned with his leaky defence. Although Leopards have posed a considerable threat going forward scoring nine goals in the last three matches, they have also conceded five times due to defensive frailties.

“The spirits are high and we want to continue with our winning streak. But we should not be over confident,” Kitambi said. He will be looking for his fourth win in a row since taking over from Robert Matano, who has since been sacked.

“We might be playing some attractive football, but I am not happy with the way we are defending. We can avoid this if we understand how to possess the ball; it is work in progress. The best way to defend is to dominate possession and attack.”

With former AFC Leopards Allan Wanga, Noah Wafula and James Situma in wounded-Homeboyz side, the Tanzanian has warned his players against complacency.

“Those are experienced players and having played for us before, they have a point to prove,” Kitambi said

But for his Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi, the Machakos clash could be the turning point in their season.

“We are going into that match as underdogs because Leopards are currently enjoying fine form. AFC are free-scoring but the good thing is that they are also conceding goals.

“We have quality and experienced players who can use this match to turn around our fortunes. We will try to prevent them from scoring," Mururi said.