Kakamega Homeboyz coach explains how loss of influential midfielder will affect their title chances
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 23.01.26. | 12:21
Otieno, a key figure in Homeboyz’ midfield engine room, completed a surprise mid-season transfer to FKF-PL debutants APS Bomet, an acquisition widely regarded as a major coup for the Bomet-based outfit
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has admitted that the departure of influential midfielder Hillary Otieno poses a significant challenge to the club’s pursuit of its maiden Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title.
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Otieno, a key figure in Homeboyz’ midfield engine room, completed a surprise mid-season transfer to FKF-PL debutants APS Bomet, an acquisition widely regarded as a major coup for the Bomet-based outfit.
His exit comes at a delicate juncture of the 2025/26 campaign, with the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions firmly in the title conversation.
A regular starter under Odhiambo, the former Wazito and Muhoroni Youth attacking midfielder had enjoyed a prolific first half of the season.
He scored four league goals, jointly topping Homeboyz’ scoring charts alongside Oliver Majaka, and contributed three assists.
Otieno was also on target in Homeboyz’ most recent outing last weekend, scoring their second goal in a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Kariobangi Sharks at Bukhungu Stadium, a match that marked his final appearance for the club.
His influence extended beyond individual contributions. During the first leg of the season, Otieno’s presence helped propel Homeboyz to 27 points, placing them third in the standings and six points behind leaders AFC Leopards.
Speaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport following Otieno’s switch to APS Bomet, Odhiambo conceded the loss would be felt but maintained that the club is well-positioned to cope.
“It is a big blow and an impact on our title quest since he has been a regular starter,” Odhiambo said.
“We had built the squad around him, and he has been one of the key players at the club. He was integral to our setup in the title chase. That said, we are fortunate to have other players in the same position who can step up and fill the void.”
The former Gor Mahia assistant coach also revealed that the circumstances surrounding the transfer were largely beyond the club’s control, noting that the player had already resolved to seek a new challenge.
“It is definitely a blow, but the situation was beyond our reach because the player had made up his mind to move on,” the one-time title-winning coach stated.
“Given his service to the club, we felt it was right to respect his decision and let him leave with our blessings.”
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Looking ahead, Odhiambo ruled out a rushed move into the transfer market, indicating that Homeboyz will instead lean on their existing options and view the situation as an opportunity for emerging talent.
“For now, we will not be in a hurry to sign a replacement,” he said. “We will work with the players at our disposal. There are talented young midfielders like Calvin Akala who now have a perfect chance to showcase their potential. Overall, I am confident the squad we have can take us through.”
Otieno joined Abana Beingo on April 12, 2023, from Muhoroni Youth and made an immediate impact in his debut season.
He quickly cemented a starting role and played a decisive part in Homeboyz’ historic Mozzart Bet Cup triumph, scoring crucial goals en route to a 1-0 final victory over Tusker that secured the club’s first major top-flight silverware.
