Homeboyz coach Odhiambo vows victory in key league clash

Kakamega Homeboyz striker Oliver Majaka celebrates his goal in a past encounter/HOMEBOYZ 

Kakamega Homeboyz will aim to keep their title hopes alive when they take on Tusker FC at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea on Saturday, in a showdown that could define the top-four race in the SportPesa Premier League.

Homeboyz forward Oliver Majaka is aware of the stakes. “We know this is a huge game,” Majaka said. “Tusker have been improving lately, but we can’t shy away. We must be smart in possession, press aggressively, and take our chances when they come. Every missed opportunity could cost us in this race.”

Tusker, currently seventh on the log with 34 points after 23 matches, have been rejuvenated under the leadership of defender Tom Teka.

“Our results earlier in February showed that we have work to do,” Teka said. “But the team has responded well. We are more disciplined defensively, and the players understand their roles better. This match is a chance to prove that progress.”

Majaka emphasised Homeboyz’s focus on team cohesion. “We’ve trained hard all week, worked on movement and patterns,” he said.

“Tusker like to play out from the back and push their fullbacks forward, so we’ll have to exploit the spaces they leave behind. The players are confident and hungry—we can’t underestimate the pressure of this game, but we thrive under it.”

Teka responded with confidence in Tusker’s tactical adaptability. “We know Homeboyz are strong at home and that their front players, like Majaka and Omundi, are quick and intelligent,” he said.

“We plan to stay compact, close the channels, and counter effectively. This isn’t just about defending; it’s about controlling the game at key moments.”

The Premier League standings show a tense top-four battle. Gor Mahia lead with 50 points, followed by AFC Leopards on 43. Shabana sit third on 40 points, while Homeboyz trail closely with 38, and Kenya Police are on 37.

“We are very aware of the table,” Majaka said. “It motivates us. Every point matters, and the guys know that a win here could give us a massive boost. We can’t allow distractions to creep in.”

Tusker’s recent form includes a 2–1 win over Kariobangi Sharks and a 1–0 victory against Murang’a SEAL, bouncing back after February losses to Shabana FC and Mathare United. “The team has shown character,” Teka said.

“We’ve learned from our mistakes, and our confidence is building. The players know that any lapse could be costly, especially against a team like Homeboyz.”

Majaka spoke about his own readiness for the fixture. “I feel in great shape,” he said. “The whole squad is in the right mindset. It’s about timing our runs, keeping our focus, and staying aggressive in the final third. We want to show our fans that we belong at the top.”

“We have to communicate constantly, anticipate movements, and support each other. It’s a team effort—one mistake could be decisive, so everyone must be alert from the first whistle.”

Looking at Homeboyz, Majaka added: “ It’s about belief. The boys know they can compete with any team in the league. We have to stay focused for 90 minutes, keep our heads in the game, and fight for every ball.”

Teka concluded with a perspective on Tusker’s season goals. “We aim to finish stronger than we started,” he said. “The team is growing in confidence, and matches like this define character. We want to show that we can handle pressure and challenge the top teams consistently.”

Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo underscored the psychological edge, saying, “We cannot afford to be intimidated. The team knows what’s at stake and is focused on getting the result. Every match now is a cup final in terms of points.”

Odhiambo added, “The pressure is part of football. I’ve told the players to embrace it, play with confidence, and trust the work we’ve put in. A positive result here could define our season.”

His opposite number, Julien Mette, responded, “We must stay disciplined and composed. Kakamega Homeboyz are fast on the counter, but if we control possession and minimise mistakes, we can dominate. It’s about making the right decisions under pressure.”

Mette concluded, “We respect every opponent, but we also have our targets. Winning this match is non-negotiable if we want to stay in contention. The boys are aware, and we are prepared.”

The relegation battle remains just as tense. Sofapaka languish at the bottom with 14 points, while APS Bomet and Ulinzi Stars sit on 19 points each, all teams fighting to escape the drop zone in the final stretch of the season.

The weekend fixtures are packed across the country. On Friday, March 13, Posta Rangers host Kenya Police at the Kasarani Annex, kick-off 3:00 PM. Saturday sees Sofapaka face Nairobi United at the Police Sacco Stadium at 1:00 PM, followed by Bandari vs Mara Sugar at Kwale Stadium from 2:00 PM, and APS Bomet taking on Bidco United at Gusii Stadium. Mathare United meet AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium at 3:30 PM in a marquee clash.

On Sunday, March 15, Shabana host Kariobangi Sharks at Gusii Stadium at 2:00 PM, while the Tusker vs Kakamega Homeboyz fixture also kicks off at 2:00 PM at Wang’uru. Nyayo Stadium will stage KCB vs Murang’a SEAL at 1:00 PM, and Ulinzi Stars face Gor Mahia at Ulinzi Sports Complex at 3:30 PM. Nairobi United will complete the round with a rescheduled match against AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, March 18, at 3:00 PM.