Muyoti praises budding defender for filling Onyango's shoes

The exit of Kennedy Onyango from Kakamega Homeboyz before the season began was deemed a massive blow to their central defence. Onyango, who is commonly known as Vidic, unexpectedly ditched Homeboyz for Nairobi City Stars leaving coach Nicholas Muyoti scratching his head for his replacement.

He was the constant factor in Homeboyz's defence in the past seasons but returned to Nairobi before the campaign kicked off apparently in search of greener pastures offered by the league returnees.

Desperate to plug the gap left in his defence, coach Nicholas Muyoti gambled by raiding National Super League outfit Vihiga Bullets for the budding Sylvester Owino whom he threw deep into the deep end from on start.

Despite lacking top-flight experience, Owino hasn't put a wrong footing in his maiden season in the top league.

The towering defender who plays alongside George Odiwour at the heart of the defence has repaid coach Muyoti's investment in the youth with three goals so far with his latest being the winner during their 2-1 win over Mathare United on Sunday at the Kasarani Annex.

Muyoti hailed the rookie for filling Oyango's shoes and his braveness in facing seasoned strikers in the league.

"He is one of the revelations in our team. He is a young player who is coming up very well. We lost Onyango but Owino has ensured that we don't miss him anymore. He has filled the void he left and he scores just like his predecessor," said the former AFC Leopards midfielder

The ambitious Owino on his part revealed his target of doubling his goal tally before the end of the season.

"It is a humbling experience to play in the top tier. It is more exciting to score goals and assist my team. I hope by the end of the season I will have scored at least six goals," he said

Besides praising the fast-rising defender, Muyoti was pleased with his team for the hard-fought win over Mathare.

Homeboyz who were seeking redemption from a similar scoreline to Gor Mahia got the job done inside the first 22 minutes to register their fifth win of the season.