Kakamega Homeboyz coach reveals what impressed him despite losing to Leopards
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 18.05.26. | 11:52
The tactician spoke on their source of struggles in the closing stages of the season as well as the standout performers in the match against Ingwe
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has singled out youngsters Zinedine Wesonga and Boniface Nyabuto for praise despite his side suffering a 2-1 defeat to AFC Leopards on Saturday, 16 May at Mumias Sports Complex.
Homeboyz came into the high-stakes clash seeking to maintain their dominance over Ingwe, but were ultimately condemned to defeat after first-half strikes from Emmanuel Lwangu and Samuel Semo handed the visitors a deserved advantage before the break.
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Even so, Odhiambo was left encouraged by the performances of two emerging talents who seized their opportunity on the big stage.
With his side trailing at halftime, the experienced tactician made a bold tactical decision by withdrawing regular starter Potiphar Odhiambo and introducing Wesonga immediately after the interval.
Although naturally an attacking midfielder, Wesonga was deployed in an unfamiliar centre-back role and delivered an assured display in only his second appearance for the club.
The youngster, who marked his top-flight debut against Bidco United with a goal, once again showed maturity beyond his years as Homeboyz steadied defensively in the second half.
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Odhiambo later handed Nyabuto his maiden appearance for the club in the final ten minutes, and the former St Joseph Youth attacker made an immediate impact by scoring Homeboyz’s consolation goal.
The strike not only marked his first goal for the club but also his maiden goal in the Kenyan top flight.
Speaking after the match, the former KCB FC head coach expressed satisfaction with the contribution of the two youngsters.
“I am happy with Zidane who came in well and played effectively in the centre-back role despite being an attacking midfielder. It was also fulfilling to watch Boniface Nyabuto make such an impact within ten minutes in his debut match.
I am glad he crowned his first appearance for the club with a goal after joining during the midseason transfer window,” Odhiambo told Azam TV.
Despite the positives, the Homeboyz tactician did not hide his frustration over the club’s recent slump in form, blaming costly individual mistakes for their poor run of results.
The defeat against Leopards extended Homeboyz’s winless streak to six matches, their worst spell of the campaign.
The dip in form comes after a season in which the Kakamega-based side had at one point emerged as genuine title contenders before their momentum faded in the closing stages.
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The poor sequence now leaves the club at risk of missing out on a top-five finish as they currently placed sixth on the table standings with 47 points
“We are losing because of individual mistakes in recent matches and it is not something good. It is not normal for very experienced players to be at the centre of this slump and it definitely raises eyebrows,” Odhiambo added.
Homeboyz will now shift focus to their remaining league fixtures against Kariobangi Sharks and Kenya Police FC as Odhiambo looks to halt the downturn and end the season on a positive note.