Kakamega Homeboyz coach Odhiambo rejects talk of two-horse race

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has warned against premature conclusions in the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League title race, insisting the contest for domestic supremacy is likely to go to the wire.

The former KCB gaffer believes that despite his side trailing joint leaders Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards by six points, the competitive balance of the league and the demands of a long campaign leave the championship firmly within reach for several contenders.

Homeboyz currently occupy third place on the table with 27 points, a position that reflects both their potential and their frustrations this season.

While they have demonstrated tactical structure and control in several matches, dropping points at critical moments has not prevented them from fully capitalising on strong performances.

“For me, this is not a league where the title is decided early. The gap may look significant now, but it can disappear very quickly,” Odhiambo said.

“We have seen seasons before where teams at the top lose momentum, and those behind grow stronger.”

Saturday’s fixture against Mara Sugar at Bukhungu Stadium arrives at a moment of renewed confidence for Homeboyz, following a controlled 2–0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks, a result that halted a difficult run and restored belief within the squad.

“That win was important in many ways,” Odhiambo explained. “It reminded the players of what we are capable of when we stick to our principles.”

According to the coach, the performance was as significant as the result. “We managed the game well,” he said. “We were patient, organised, and decisive when opportunities came.”

With the league entering a phase where margins are likely to tighten amid increased pressure, Odhiambo has identified home fixtures as central to Homeboyz’ ambitions.

“At this stage, home matches become crucial,” he noted. “If you want to compete at the top, you must make your home ground count.”

However, the Homeboyz coach was careful to temper expectations ahead of the Mara Sugar encounter. “There are no easy games in this league,” he cautioned. “Mara Sugar will come here with their own motivations and challenges.”

He continued: “Our task is to remain focused, impose ourselves tactically, and avoid complacency.”

While confident in his squad’s ability, Odhiambo acknowledged that inconsistency has been the primary obstacle preventing Homeboyz from mounting a stronger title challenge thus far. “We have not always been consistent enough,” he admitted. “There are matches we should have managed better, particularly in decisive moments.”

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo during training/HOMEBOYZ 

He believes concentration and discipline have been costly. “At this level, small lapses are punished. That is where we have dropped points, not through a lack of effort or commitment," Odhiambo said. 

As the season progresses, Odhiambo believes the title race will increasingly become a test of mental resilience rather than technical quality alone.

“This part of the season demands mental strength,” he said. “Players must be able to handle pressure, expectation, and fatigue.”

He also highlighted the importance of squad management.

“With a congested schedule, rotation and recovery are essential,” he added. “You need depth, but you also need players who are ready when called upon.”

Despite trailing the leaders, Odhiambo remains measured rather than defiant in his outlook, preferring a pragmatic approach rooted in incremental progress. “We are not chasing the table,” he said. “We are focusing on our performance and our improvement. If we remain disciplined and continue to grow, we will be in a strong position towards the end of the season.”

With Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards setting the early pace, the Kenyan Premier League has once again underlined its reputation for competitiveness and unpredictability.

For Kakamega Homeboyz, the coming weeks will determine whether early promise can be transformed into sustained contention.

Saturday’s meeting with Mara Sugar may not decide the title, but it represents another step in a campaign where patience, precision, and perspective are increasingly vital.