They might have not won the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title, but Kakamega Homeboyz have been fairly competitive in the last four seasons or so.Before football activities were halted by Covid-19 in 2019–2020, Homeboyz were on course to disrupt the established order, as far as league dominance is concerned, but were nipped in the bud by the pandemic.Gor Mahia have been the most consistent team in the past decade, as the team has failed to win the league in just two seasons, in which the title was won by Tusker.As for whether Homeboyz would have won in 2020 had football and other sporting activities not been thrown into disarray, it remains just that—a matter of speculation.The team also came close in the 2021-2022 season, losing the title to Tusker on goal difference. The campaign was later declared null and void.Established in 2010, Homeboyz will seek to finally end what has been a long search for the first league title when the new season gets underway this weekend.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284467##The team will, however, not stage its home matches in their backyard in Bukhungu as the facility is still under renovation.Consequently, their home fixtures will be played at the Mumias Sports Complex.They will get their campaign underway on Sunday with a clash against debutants Mara Sugar at the Wendo Green Stadium.Last season’s finish and chances in the new seasonAbana Abeingo had a good start in the 2023–2024 season, to the point that they were firmly in contention for the league crown.However, inconsistencies found room in their camp, especially in the second leg, and they had to settle for an eighth-place finish with 48 points.Unlike in previous seasons, Homeboyz have not lost their key players to competitors thanks to the hefty transfer fees their chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula has been demanding.FKFPL Preview: Reinforced Shabana gearing up for stronger season free from relegation worriesGiven that the team’s pillars are still strong, there is a huge possibility for them to finish inside the top three in the forthcoming campaign.Coach Kenyatta confident Whereas the team did not let go of its arsenals, head coach Patrick Odhiambo, who will be best remembered for inspiring the outfit to its first major title, Mozzart Bet Cup, last year, left for KCB FC.This forced the management to hire a new gaffer, with Kenneth Kenyatta being the preferred candidate to succeed Odhiambo.Kenyatta, who penned a year-long deal, believes that he will finally win his first major trophy in the top flight as a coach.”I have been accused of shying away from coaching clubs outside Nairobi, but what many don’t understand is that I am always open to new ideas and challenges. Every coach prepares his/her team with the intention of winning titles and I believe, I will deliver here at Homeboyz,” he said.TransfersAs stated above, Homeboyz have not been busy in the off-season transfer window, but as expected, the club has been filling in the gaps left by those who were released.At the moment of writing, the club has signed and unveiled four players, with defenders being the majority.The club has so far acquired the services of fullbacks; Alvin ‘Chicha’ Ochieng and Boniface Onyango from Gor Mahia and Tusker, respectively.Centre-back Gabriel Wandera and goalkeeper Isaiah Wakasala were signed from Bidco United and FC Talanta, respectively.There is a possibility of the club bringing in more players as the window is still running.Besides Odhiambo and his assistant Jeffers Odongo, Homeboyz have let five players leave for various reasons.Versatile defender Erick Ambunya left following the expiry of his contract, while Frederick Ochieng was loaned out to Shabana.Shafik Batambuze, Salim Odeka, and Stephen Opoku, all exited the team following the expiry of their deals.Players to watch in the new season There is a feeling that the duo of Moses Shumah and Hillary Otieno will be heavily relied on in the campaign.The two were underwhelming in the second leg of the past campaign and cannot afford to have a poor season if they are to keep their dreams of playing abroad alive.Why Tusker defender believes FKFPL title will be theirs to lose in new seasonCentre-back Brian Eshihanda will also be a key player for the team if he extends his contract with the club.Eshihanda, who doubles up as the assistant captain, was the highest-scoring defender last season and at the club, courtesy of the six goals he managed.Regarding young players, all eyes will definitely be on Glen Masava, Oliver Majaka, and Ibrahim Wanzala. The trio played a role in the eighth-place finish last season and will have to put up a strong fight so as to retain their places in the first team.First five fixturesAfter opening the season against Mara, Homeboyz will tackle returnees Mathare United at home.The team will be on the road for the third fixture of the season against Tusker, with Kariobangi Sharks lying in wait on the fourth weekend.Chris Ochieng rallies Gor Mahia fans ahead of CAF Champions League return matchHomeboyz will wrap up the first five fixtures with a clash against KCB, that will offer a reunion with coach Odhiambo and his assistant Odongo.Potential challenges Homeboyz is among the teams that understand what honouring away matches is like given the distance between Kakamega and Nairobi where the majority of the matches are played.Fixture congestion and the fatigue that comes with regular travel will definitely creep in, especially in the second leg.It remains to be seen whether the team will adopt air travel for away matches.
