Homeboyz, Ulinzi set for high-stakes Cup clash at Bukhungu

The 18-year-old Kakamega Homeboyz striker Oliver Majaka/HANDOUT 

Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars will renew their rivalry on Sunday, when they meet in a high-stakes Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 16 clash at Bukhungu Stadium, with a place in the quarterfinals and a step closer to continental ambitions on the line.

The fixture brings together two sides with contrasting league fortunes but similar determination in Cup competition, setting the stage for a tense knockout battle in western Kenya, where form, history, and ambition are expected to collide under high-pressure conditions. Homeboyz head into the encounter in strong domestic form, sitting third in the Kenyan Premier League with 46 points, and coming off a 2–2 draw against Nairobi United.

Their cup run has been equally impressive. They kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 5–1 victory over Amani Youth in the Round of 64 before easing past Kipchimchim FC 3–0 in the Round of 32, a match that saw striker Oliver Majaka continue his fine scoring form.

Majaka, who has now scored four goals in the competition, has been central to Homeboyz’ attacking rhythm. A composed confidence runs through the 18-year old youngster's remarks as he reflects on the challenge ahead, insisting the team’s preparation and belief have placed them in the right position for the knockout test.

“We have worked hard for this moment. Our focus is simple — play our football, stay disciplined in attack, and take our chances when they come," Majaka said.

The forward maintains that mentality and intensity will define their performance on the day, especially in a competition where opportunities are often limited. “Cups are decided by hunger, and we are hungry for victory. We are determined to represent Kenya on the continental stage,” he said.

In front of the goal, Majaka highlights personal form but quickly redirects attention to collective responsibility, underscoring the importance of team unity in decisive matches.

“I am feeling sharp in front of the goal, but the most important thing is the team.”

The striker further stresses commitment to supporters who have followed their campaign closely through the early rounds. “Every goal I score is for the team and for the fans who believe in us. We know what is at stake, and we are ready for the fight.”

Head coach Patrick Odhiambo enters the fixture fully aware of the tactical demands that come with knockout football against a disciplined opponent with a strong organisational structure.

The coach describes the encounter as a stern examination of focus and game management, particularly against a side known for its compact defensive shape and experience in tight matches. “Ulinzi are disciplined, experienced, and dangerous in knockout football.”

Odhiambo emphasised that maintaining concentration across the full duration of the match will be essential, given the fine margins that typically decide cup ties. “The challenge requires concentration from the first minute to the last because small margins decide cup matches.”

The Homeboyz tactician also reinforced his team’s identity, pointing to their attacking philosophy and ambition to compete for silverware. “We know who we are. We are Homeboyz — we play brave football, we create chances, and we want to go all the way.”

He further reiterates that the ultimate objective remains lifting the trophy at the end of the campaign. “The target is the trophy.”

Homeboyz’ most significant achievement in the competition remains their 2023 triumph, when they beat Tusker 1–0 in the final at Kasarani through Kevin Amwayi’s winner, a victory that secured their first major trophy and CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

Ulinzi Stars arrive with a reputation built on discipline and resilience, despite an inconsistent league campaign. The soldiers have, however, shown renewed sharpness in cup competition, beginning with a narrow 1–0 win over Kamel Park Rangers before producing a dominant 7–0 victory over Zoo FC in the Round of 32, one of the standout results of the tournament so far.

Captain Brian Birgen stresses that discipline and unity remain central to their approach as they prepare for another demanding knockout assignment. A calm assurance defines his assessment of the challenge, with emphasis placed on collective responsibility and experience in high-pressure matches. “We know what these matches demand. It is about focus, discipline, and unity.”

He reinforces belief in the team’s ability to compete away from home, while acknowledging the strength of the opposition. “Homeboyz are strong at home, but we have been in these battles before.”

Respect for the opponents is clear, but confidence remains firm within the camp ahead of the fixture. The captain concludes by highlighting the team’s mentality in knockout competition, where performance often outweighs reputation. “This is the kind of match Ulinzi Stars live for.”

Head coach Mulinge Ndetto, meanwhile, underlines the importance of consistency in approach, warning against complacency despite the emphatic win in the previous round.

The coach insists that mentality and discipline will be decisive, particularly against an opponent capable of punishing mistakes. “The 7–0 win gave us confidence, but it does not change our approach.”

He stresses that knockout football requires sustained focus and tactical discipline across all phases of play. “Cup football is about consistency in mindset.”

Ndetto further emphasised structure and efficiency as key priorities heading into the match. “Against Homeboyz, we must be compact, avoid mistakes, and take our chances when they come.”

He concludes by noting steady improvement within the squad as they build toward the decisive encounter.] “We are improving step by step.”

Ulinzi Stars, two-time domestic cup winners and former league champions, carry a strong knockout pedigree despite recent inconsistency in league form. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1–1 draw in the league, underlining how evenly matched they remain.

Homeboyz will lean on home advantage and attacking fluidity at Bukhungu, while Ulinzi are expected to rely on structure, discipline, and counterattacking efficiency. With both teams targeting a place in the last eight, the contest promises to be tightly balanced, emotionally charged, and decided by fine margins.