Africa-Press – Kenya. Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo is convinced his charges are adequately prepared for the acid test that awaits them in their next crunch tie against red-hot AFC Leopards.
The two top-flight behemoths will flex muscles at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Sunday in a highly-anticipated Round of 22 Kenyan Premier League clash.
Despite Leopards’ impressive run in recent weeks where they have registered five wins in a row, Odhiambo said he is not afraid of anything ahead of the scintillating Ingo derby.
“We are treating the match like any other. I’m aware of their good run in recent matches but we have equally had a string of positive results in our latest encounters,” Odhiambo remarked.
Homeboyz head into the encounter fresh off a morale-boosting 2-1 win over highly-rated KCB at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi over the weekend.
The victory steered them safely within the title contention bracket in the cutthroat top-tier competition where they currently place seventh with 32 points— 12 adrift of leaders Gor Mahia.
“The title is still within our reach and it all depends on how we fair in our remaining matches,” Odhiambo stated.
“I guess you are aware that whereas league leaders Gor have won 12 matches this season, we have won nine. That clearly shows you that there is very minimal difference in our performances and we are almost at par,” he added.
On the other hand, Leopards are breathing heavily down the neck of their Western-based counterparts in eighth position with 30 points, and a win in the tie could reignite their aspirations for a 14th title after 20 years in the cold.
The felines head into the encounter buoyed by a five-match winning streak, the latest being a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the obstinate Murang’a Seal at Nyayo Stadium.
Odhiambo believes his side boasts sufficient depth to put up a valiant fight for the coveted silverware following the changes he effected during the just-concluded midseason transfer window.
“We tinkered with the lineup a little bit and brought in individuals who are capable of propelling us to our goals. One of them is central defender Hamisi Odeka who brings along a wealth of experience,” Odhiambo remarked.
Odhiambo reiterated their desire to replicate the monumental feat they accomplished in the preceding season, where proudly flew the nation’s flag in the Caf Confederation Cup.
“We’ve basked in such glory before and we are eager for another taste of continental competition. Our target is to punch a ticket to the continental stage.”
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
