Kakamega Homeboyz centre-back Portipher Odhiambo says he is working hard behind the scenes in a bid to regain his place in the starting team.Odhiambo returned to action at the start of the month following his recovery from a knee injury that had kept him out for three months.Before the unfortunate struck, he was the preferred partner to assistant skipper Brian Eshihanda at the heart of the defence.##NAJAVA_MECA_8021056##His injury saw coach Patrick Odhiambo dive deep into the market in the mid-season transfer window and sign two centre-backs in a bid to plug in the gap.Homeboyz acquired Salim Murunga from Nzoia Sugar, while Salim Odeka joined the club from Tanzanian Premier League side Geita Gold FC.Odeka, who commands years of experience in the Kenyan top flight, has established himself as a key defender for Homeboyz within a short period of time as he has been partnering Eshihanda in central defence.Salim Murunga delights in Kakamega Homeboyz’s debutMurunga, on the other hand, made his Homeboyz bow last weekend against Gor Mahia at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.Odhiambo, who hopes to muscle his way back to the first team, says he is investing in hard work in training to win his place back in the team.“The defenders who came in the mid-season window have been doing an amazing job. They blended in well and had an understanding with the rest. I am working hard to be in good shape and get playing time in the remainder of the season,” said the defender, who returned to the matchday squad last weekend against Gor.Faiz Ouma heads out for tryout with MLS clubMeanwhile, the former Vihiga Bullets defender is confident that Abana Abeingo will retain the Mozzart Bet Cup.Homeboyz lifted the title last season after edging Tusker 1-0 in the final and are in the quarterfinals of the current edition after eliminating the brewers in the round of sixteen.“We are on course to defend it. With ruthless focus and determination, it is possible to win it again,” said Odhiambo, who was part of the squad that claimed the title last season.
