KCB will seek to tighten their grip on the SportPesa League top spot when they visit Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Robert Matano hopes to help his charges extend their winning streak against a side desperate to rediscover their winning touch.
The bankers head into th seventh round encounter sitting second on 13 points, level with leaders Gor Mahia, after collecting three successive victories. Homeboyz, meanwhile, are languishing in 16th place with five points from five matches and are still searching for their first home victory of the campaign.
Matano’s charges have been particularly impressive in recent weeks, beating Mombasa United 3-1, Gor Mahia 2-1 and APS Bomet 1-0. Their latest triumph was especially satisfying after Jimmy Owili struck a late winner despite KCB playing with 10 men following Amaton Samunya’s dismissal.
The ‘Lion’ wants his players to maintain their hunger but avoid allowing their impressive run to distract them from the task ahead.
“We have worked hard to put ourselves in this position, but there is still a long way to go. We cannot start celebrating because of three victories. Every match brings a different challenge,” Matano said.
The experienced tactician expects his charges to control possession, move the ball quickly and exploit spaces behind the Homeboyz defence.
“We want to impose ourselves on the game without becoming impatient. The important thing is to remain organised, make the right decisions and take our chances when they come,” he said.
KCB will, however, have to navigate several personnel setbacks. Samunya is suspended, captain Humphrey Mieno is recovering from a serious knee injury, while defender Baron Ochieng’ is away on international duty with the Emerging Stars.
Dennis Maruti and forward Vincent Ondabu are edging closer to fitness, offering Matano encouraging options as he considers his selection.
“We have a good squad and everybody must be ready to contribute. Injuries and suspensions are part of football. Those who get an opportunity must step up and show what they can do,” Matano added.
The match provides Homeboyz with an opportunity to arrest their slide and give their supporters something to celebrate.
Edward Manoah’s men are winless inn four matches, drawing twice and losing twice. Their latest disappointment was a 2-2 home draw against Kenya Police after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser.
Manoah is expected to demand a more compact defensive shape, with his midfield protecting the backline and quick transitions providing an attacking outlet.
“We cannot afford to give KCB too much room to play. They are enjoying a good run, but we have to make this difficult for them from the first whistle,” Manoah said.
The Homeboyz coach also wants his forwards to show greater urgency after wasting opportunities in recent outings.
“We have created chances, but creating opportunities is not enough. We must be more ruthless in front of goal and make our moments count,” he said.
The Kakamega outfit will also draw encouragement from its ability to trouble KCB in previous encounters. The last three league meetings have ended in draws, including 1-1 stalemates in April and November 2025 and a 2-2 draw in March 2025.
Across 18 meetings, KCB have won six and Homeboyz five.
Manoah believes home advantage could prove decisive if his players maintain their concentration.
“Our supporters deserve a good performance. We want to reward them with a victory, but that will only happen if we defend properly, work for each other and take our chances,” he said.
