Manoah reveals Mara Sugar's advantage in securing draw against Homeboyz
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 30.09.25. | 15:41
Despite their inexperience at the top-flight level, Mara Sugar’s youthful squad rose to the occasion against one of the league’s seasoned sides
Mara Sugar FC head coach Edward Manoah has attributed his side’s resilience in their stalemate with Kakamega Homeboyz to his deeper knowledge of the opponents’ squad.
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The Kilgoris-based outfit forced Homeboyz to a goalless draw in a tense FKF Premier League Matchweek Two clash, frustrating the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup winners who had hoped to strongly start the season.
Speaking after the match, Manoah, who has previously served Homeboyz both as head coach and as technical director, admitted that his familiarity with most of the players gave Mara a tactical advantage.
He noted that having worked with the bulk of the current Homeboyz squad during their cup-winning campaign two years ago, he was able to anticipate their style of play and plot accordingly.
"I have been at Homeboyz for a while, and having worked with most of the players gave us some edge in the match.
It made it easier for me to plot against them, and knowing their tendency for slow starts in recent seasons, we seized that advantage, and it worked to our favour,” Manoah told Mozzart Sport.
Despite their inexperience at the top-flight level, Mara Sugar’s youthful squad rose to the occasion against one of the league’s seasoned sides.
Save for a handful of players, including Evans Ouma, James Openda, Mike Isabwa, and Robert Ouma, seven of Mara’s starters were making their FKFPL debuts, most of them having been recruited from county league sides during the off-season.
Manoah lauded the newcomers for their spirited performance, especially in the final half-hour when Homeboyz turned up the pressure in search of a late breakthrough.
"I am impressed with my players, who are largely from county leagues and were making their debuts. To hold their own against an experienced Homeboyz side, especially in the closing stages when they attacked relentlessly, shows great character.
I believe this performance will build their confidence for the matches ahead,” he added.
The tactician, who previously guided Vihiga United, also underlined the need for his side to build consistency early in the season to avoid a repeat of last year’s survival struggle, where Mara Sugar only secured their FKFPL status on the final day.
"Last season, we started well but struggled later on, eventually surviving on the last day. This year, we must double our efforts from the onset to ensure we maintain our top-flight status for a third consecutive season,” Manoah emphasised.
Mara Sugar will now be aiming for their first victory of the campaign when they host newly promoted Nairobi United on Wednesday, 1 October at the Awendo Green Stadium.
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