Kakamega Homeboyz centre back Sylvester Owino has singled out lack of match fitness for the club’s embarrassing show in the first edition of the Elijah Lidonde Cup.Homeboyz finished fourth in the tournament held over the weekend after losing 5-4 on post match penalties to Vihiga Bullets in the third place playoff match. The club pocketed a quarter a million for finishing fourth.Elijah Lidonde Memorial Cup: 3rd PlaceFull Time:Kakamega Homeboyz 0-0 Vihiga BulletsPenalties 4-5We finish 4th#wearehomeboyz#AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/am0RRuSZCe— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) July 10, 2022 Prior to the playoff, Homeboyz had lost the bid to advance to the final after falling 5-2 to Nzoia Sugar in the first semi final game staged at the Mumias Sports Complex.Owino revealed that the playing unit had trained together under the eye of former national U20 assistant coach Hesbon Nyabinge for three days unlike the rest who had worked on their drills for at least a week to the tournament.Homeboyz had to turn to the services of Nyabinge who was assisted by Green Commandos head coach Ramadhan Balala following the disbandment of the technical bench.Kakamega Homeboyz disband technical bench after epic heartbreakLast week, Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula sent packing members of the bench save from the team manager and the doctor for what he termed as gross misconduct and the missed target in the concluded season.Elijah Lidonde Memorial Cup: 3rd PlaceHalf Time:Kakamega Homeboyz 0-0 Vihiga Bullets#wearehomeboyz#AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/e03kBBalT4— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) July 10, 2022 “We were not fit enough considering that we trained for three days. We struggled in the first match but had a better performance in the playoff. We wee also punished for our mistakes,” said the youthful defender.Meanwhile, Homeboyz are set to commence their pre-season activities next week ahead of the new season. The club will not only have to source for a new head coach but also strengthen the playing unit as well as replace those who will be leaving for greener pastures.
