Kakamega Homeboyz’s head coach, Patrick Odhiambo, reckons they possess the mojo to break the glass ceiling and grace the continental stage for the first time in history.
The two-time Kenyan Premier League runners-up are merely three steps away from realising their lofty aspirations.
They upset the form book to cruise past champions Gor Mahia in a fiercely-contested FKF Cup Round of 16 encounters over the weekend.
Homeboyz made clear their intentions of flying the country’s flag on the continental stage next season, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over their more-fancied opponents at Bukhungu stadium on Sunday.
The crucial victory over fellow top-flight behemoths secured them a berth in the quarterfinals of the domestic cup whose winner will represent the country in the Caf Confederations Cup.
Skipper Moses Mudavadi’s 57th-minute effort was all that Homeboyz needed to shatter K’Ogalo’s lofty dream of a double-silverware this season and book a date with AFC Leopards in the next stage of the competition.
“We respect AFC Leopards but after flooring Gor over the weekend, we believe nothing is impossible,” Odhiambo said.
The youthful and bubbly gaffer has urged his charges to pile more wood on the fire and blaze past the remaining competition on their way to the winners’ podium.
Aside from AFC Leopards, Homeboyz must sharpen their talons well enough to fend off immense rivalry from Ulinzi Stars, KCB, Tusker, Kariobangi Sharks, Bandari, and Sofapaka who also romped to the next stage.
Odhiambo oozed confidence about their prospects of prevailing over the fellow Kenyan Premier League juggernauts.
“We are aware of the cut-throat competition ahead. If we treat every game like a final, we can win the Cup. The last part is challenging, but I believe we are up to the challenge,” Odhiambo said.
The gaffer, who landed his role with the club only recently, said the morale in the camp is amazing after they managed to eliminate the cup holders from the competition.
“Beating a team of the calibre of Gor is not a simple task to accomplish. The players deserve praise for giving it their all on the field and delivering the victory. We will improve, especially in our league run, if we build on the confidence we gained from the victory," Odhiambo said.
“We couldn’t have expected anything better this season. I’m happy for the boys because they have worked extremely hard to enjoy such fine fruits,” Odhiambo said.
“We are now more intent than ever to clinch the trophy and represent the country in the Caf Confederations cup next season,” he added.
Homeboyz have no option but to hold on to that dream. Judging by their current position on the log, any hopes of a KPL title this season might as well be considered a far-fetched dream.
They are currently stuck in the middle of the table at 11th, having secured seven wins, registered nine draws, and suffered five losses.
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